12/14/06                                              

                                STATE POLICE

                            “OPERATION SANTA”

The Connecticut State Police today launched the 2006 Holiday enforcement program in an attempt to save lives and prevent injury as the Christmas/New Years holiday season approaches. Operation S.A.N.T.A. S-top A-nother N-eedless T-ragic A-ccident is the major holiday accident and injury prevention message from the Connecticut State Police.

This combined accident reduction effort (C.A.R.E.) involves State Police Departments all across the U.S. The focus of the enforcement is on the most frequent causes of accident fatalities, and drivers who drive under the influence, who speed, and/or fail to wear seatbelts.

Enhanced DUI enforcement will increase over the entire holiday season. Traditionally at this time of year many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place. Many of these parties include the consumption of alcohol. Many partygoers will neglect to remember that mixing alcohol with driving any motor vehicle is unwise, dangerous and illegal.

The Connecticut State Police have scheduled DUI spot checks and enhanced enforcement operations on the roads and highways of Connecticut.  Public Safety Commissioner Leonard Boyle said, “Our Connecticut State Troopers are trying to save lives and keep our roads and highways safe. Remember mixing alcohol with driving a car is a dangerous combination and illegal in our state.”

No one looks forward to spending time in a jail, a hospital or some place worse over the holidays.   Connecticut State Troopers will do everything to keep drunk drivers off the roads. The public is asked to join our effort,  if you are planning to consume alcohol at a festive event, make plans in advance for a sober driver to bring you home. If you spot a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report it to the police, this is a true emergency.    

Seat belt enforcement is an important part of “OPERATION SANTA”. People not wearing seatbelts that are involved in a crash will probably be injured. Seatbelts do prevent injuries and can prevent you from being ejected in a crash.

                              STATE POLICE

               HOLIDAY DUI ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

                      and SOBRIETY CHECK POINTS 

   The Connecticut State Police announce the 2006 DUI enforcement campaign in the State of Connecticut. OPERATION S-A-N-T-A (STOP ANOTHER NEEDLESS ACCIDENT) is underway for the holiday season.

   Over the holiday season, many people will attend office or house parties. While at those parties many people will consume alcohol. Connecticut State Police Troopers are teaming up with public safety agencies this holiday to enforce the “DON’T DRINK & DRIVE" message. 

2006 Connecticut State Police Christmas/New Years Sobriety Check points.

Western District 

12/15/06      I-95 exit #31, joint operation with Stratford Police  

                  Rt. 1 Washington Bridge, with the Milford Police

12/16/06      Rts. 44 & 183, joint operation with Winsted Police

12/16/06      Rts. 63 & 6,  joint operation with Watertown Police

12/16/06      I-84 exit #18, joint operation with Waterbury Police

Central District  

12/16/06      I-91 Southbound, exit #3 off ramp, New Haven

12/23/06      I-95 Northbound, exit #65 off ramp, Westbrook

12/23/06      Rt 9 Northbound, exit #13 on ramp, Middletown

Eastern District 

12/15/06      Rt 66 near Independence Dr., Marlbourgh

12/16/06      Rt 66 near Independence Dr., Marlbourgh

12/22/06      Rt 44, exit #97off ramp I-395
                  Business District, Putnam

12/23/06      Rt 44 exit # 97off ramp I-395

                  Business District, Putnam

12/31/06      Rt 2A, Preston

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Lt. J. Paul Vance