4th Of July Roving DUI Patrols Planned Across Connecticut: State PD

(Editor's Note: This news release was written by Connecticut State Police concerning the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend).

CONNECTICUT — The upcoming Independence Day holiday has Connecticut State Troopers preparing for increased traffic and patrols as thousands of drivers will be traveling roads and highways across the state.

With July 4th falling on a Thursday, celebrations may stretch to four days for many people in Connecticut. This could bring about more trips to the beach, backyard barbecues and fireworks displays.

Troopers expect traffic to increase accordingly by the evening of Wednesday, July 3, and continuing through the evening of Sunday, July 7. State Troopers will also be out, ensuring safe driving and conducting DUI roving patrols.

As always, Troopers will consistently work toward preventing accidents on Connecticut roads and highways. Troopers remind drivers that obeying the rules of the road is everyone’s responsibility: buckle up, adhere to the speed limit, put down cell phones, and please concentrate on the primary job when behind the wheel - driving.

Connecticut State Troopers ask operators to utilize lawful driving skills and plan for traffic delays due to possible traffic and road construction. Safety should be every driver’s top priority when behind the wheel to ensure safe travel to and from all destinations.

A reminder that Connecticut’s “Move Over” law requires motorists approaching stationary vehicles to immediately slow to a speed below the posted speed limit and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stopped, stationary vehicle, to move over one lane, unless it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Please pay attention to these vehicles as first responders may also be arriving on scene.

Planning to consume alcohol to celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday? Then please designate a driver so that this festive, enjoyable holiday period does not turn into a tragedy, as drinking and driving is a deadly combination. If you are on the road and suspect an impaired driver, please call 911, as this is a true emergency.

“Having Connecticut drivers be our partners makes a significant difference in road safety. Especially during a long, holiday weekend, we expect traffic delays and travelers may be delayed in arriving at their destinations,” said State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman. “As always, we ask all motor vehicle operators to be patient and follow state law to keep themselves, their passengers and all first responders safe while on the roads.”

During Independence Day Weekend 2024, motorists should be aware that Connecticut State Troopers will employ all methods of enforcement to increase highway safety, including laser units for speed enforcement, as well as marked & unmarked, non-traditional police vehicles to patrol roadways. In addition, Troops throughout the state will be conducting roving DUI patrols in each Troop area.

• Calls for Service: 7,312
• SPEEDING: 485
• SEATBELT: 18
• TOTAL VIOLATIONS: 835 (to include unsafe lane change, Following Too Closely, Cell Phone, Texting, Speeding, Seatbelt, etc.)
• DUI Arrests: 43
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: 489
• With injury: 49 (2 Serious: Stamford and Manchester)
• Fatalities: 4 (Greenwich, North Canaan, Westbrook and Harwinton)