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Connecticut State Police troopers issued an alert this week warning that they can expect heavy traffic on the roadways, and local residents should “exercise caution, allow extra time to reach their destination, don’t text and drive, set GPS destinations prior to traveling and use a hands-free device when talking on your cell phone (or) mobile device while operating a vehicle.”
During the enforcement detail, troopers will be concentrating on cracking down on drunk drivers, speeding motorists, seatbelt violations and distracted drivers. The extra patrols are scheduled to begin on Thursday, Aug. 30, lasting through Monday, Sept. 3. Troopers will use “both traditional and non-traditional state police vehicles on the roads, searching for reckless and intoxicated drivers.” There will also be checkpoints set up, and the State Police Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit will be out in force.
Connecticut State Police Troop G in Bridgeport has announced several planned checkpoints:
- Friday, Aug. 31, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on the Route 34 connector westbound in New Haven. This will be conducted along with the State Police Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile.
DUI and Motor Vehicle Enforcement Roving patrols:
- Thursday, Aug. 30, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on I-95, I-91 and Route 34 in the greater New Haven area.
- Saturday, Sept. 1, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on I-95, Route 8 and Route 25 in the Bridgeport/Stratford/Trumbull area.
- Sunday, Sept. 2, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on I-95 in the Stamford/Norwalk/Greenwich area and Route 7 in the Norwalk area.
- Monday, Sept. 3, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) from the New York State Line to the Sikorsky Bridge.
Last year, during the 2017 Labor Day weekend, Connecticut State Troopers issued 1189 tickets for speeding, 46 for seatbelt violations, 2,764 tickets for moving violations and made 47 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers investigated 529 motor vehicle crashes, 78 with injury, and 1 fatal motor vehicle accident.
Once the Labor Day enforcement patrols conclude, police noted that they will begin additional efforts as children throughout Connecticut begin returning to school.
“A final reminder to all drivers: anyone who consumes alcohol should never get behind the wheel; establish a designated driver before your holiday weekend activities begin,” police noted. “If you see a suspected drunk driver, or hazardous driver, call 911 as this is a true emergency.”
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