Troopers said they would be stepping up patrols as thousands of drivers will be traveling the roads and highways across the state, especially during the evening hours of the Thursday, July 4, following firework shows.
"As always, troopers will consistently work toward preventing accidents on Connecticut’s roads and highways," the department said.
They are also reminding drivers that safety is everyone’s responsibility including buckling up, adhering to the speed limit, putting down cell phones, and concentrating on the primary job when behind the wheel - driving.
For those planning to drink on the nation's birthday, a designated driver is a must, they added. The department will be conducting roving DUI checkpoints throughout the area.
Troopers are also asking drivers to call 911 if they are on the road and suspect a drunk or aggressive driver, as this is a true emergency.
Some of the areas slated for roving patrols include
- Bridgeport: Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Roving DUI patrols Interstates 95 and 91, Route 34
- New Haven Area: July 3 to July 7; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Roving DUI patrols Interstate 95, Routes 8 & 25
- Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull Area: Roving DUI patrols Interstate 95 in the Stamford/Norwalk/Greenwich area; Route 7 in Norwalk area; Roving DUI patrols Route 15 from NY state line to Sikorsky Bridge Roving DUI patrols Interstate 95 in the Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford,
- Milford Area: July 3 to July 7; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Roving DUI patrols Interstate 84 & 91 in Hartford; I-84 in West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester and Windsor; DUI Checkpoint Interstate 84, Hartford; Roving DUI patrols Interstate 91 & 691, Route 15
- New Haven to Middletown: July 3 to 7; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Roving DUI patrols Route 8
Local police departments will provide coverage throughout the holiday weekend.
During the July 4, 2018, weekend, Connecticut State Troopers issued 995 tickets for speeding, 2,530 tickets for moving violations, 124 tickets for seatbelt violations and made 38 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also investigated 489 motor vehicle crashes, 62 with injury, and three with fatalities.
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