DUI Checkpoints, Extra Patrols Planned During Memorial Day Weekend In CT

CONNECTICUT — As families get together for backyard barbecues or to enjoy the beaches in Connecticut, state police said they will be hard at work keeping the local and highway roads safe during Memorial Day Weekend.

Connecticut State Police said they are preparing for increased vehicles on local and highway roads during Memorial Day weekend and are getting ready to be on duty to ensure that highways are free of hazardous drivers as residents drive to their destinations.

“Every holiday is busy for our Troopers. As Connecticut residents kick off summer this weekend and take to the roads, more traffic issues will likely arise,” said Colonel Stavros Mellekas, who is Commanding Officer of the CT State Police. “The ability of all operators to drive lawfully is the key to avoiding tragedies on our highways. We ask everyone to please follow state laws to help keep the roadway safe for all drivers, passengers, and first responders.”

Troopers from each of the agency’s 11 troops will be conducting extra roving DUI patrols from the evening of May 25 through the evening of May 29, state police said.

During Memorial Day Weekend 2023, motorists should be aware that Connecticut State Troopers will employ all enforcement methods to increase highway safety, including laser units for speed enforcement and marked and unmarked, non-traditional police vehicles to patrol our roadways proactively, officials said.

DUI Checkpoints

Troopers at Troop G, Bridgeport, will be conducting a DUI/Sobriety checkpoint during the evening of Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 6 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Friday, May 26, on Interstate 91 at exit 3 on and off ramps in New Haven.

The Troop G Troopers will work with Troopers from the Traffic Services Unit to conduct this checkpoint to ensure motorists' highest possible degree of safety during the holiday period, officials said.

Troopers from Troop A, Southbury, will conduct a DUI/Sobriety checkpoint starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, through 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, on Interstate 84 westbound at the Exit 18 off ramp in Waterbury.

In addition, Troops throughout the state will be conducting roving DUI patrols in each Troop area.

See also: Violent Vehicle Gathering Leaves Behind Damage, Anger: Police

• 'Ring Leader' In Street Racing Incidents Across CT Arrested: State PD

State police said troopers asked drivers to utilize lawful drinking skills and plan for traffic delays as more drivers venture out this weekend.

In 2022, State Police said they received 6,448 calls for services during Memorial Day Weekend. There were 547 motorists assisted, 615 speeding violations, 145 seatbelt violations, and 451 hazardous moving violations (including unsafe lane change, following too closely, moving over, etc.), 37 DUI arrests, and 359 accidents.

Troopers asked drivers to remember safety tips and laws: Buckle up, obey speed limits, don’t follow too close, remove distractions while driving, stay off the cell phone and never drink and drive, state police said.

State Police said to remember that the “Move Over” law requires motorists approaching any stationary vehicle to immediately slow down to a speed below the posted speed limit.

In addition, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stationary vehicle, to more than one lane, unless it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. This includes other citizen vehicles and emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, or licensed wreckers, state police say. So pay attention to these vehicles and those who may be working in the roadway.