CTDOT Press Releases
03/04/2024
CTDOT, with State and Local Police, Launch Traffic Enforcement on High-Risk Rural Roads and Urge Drivers to Slow Down
Traffic enforcement takes place March 1 to May 30
Newington, Conn. (March 4, 2024) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining state and local law enforcement to help keep roadway users safe on Connecticut’s rural roads. A new initiative, funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), seeks to improve roadway safety on designated rural roadways across the state. Motorists will see increased law enforcement presence on designated high-risk rural roads between March 1 to May 30.
Over the last five years, Connecticut averaged 43 fatalities on rural roads every year, which represents about 15 percent of all fatalities. Of all the crashes on rural roads, 39 percent of fatalities are speed related. Preliminary data for 2023 show there were a total of 303 crashes and 322 fatalities in Connecticut.
“Connecticut has approximately 5,500 miles of scenic rural roads that make for a wonderful drive, but the unfortunate reality is it can be deadly due to speeding, distractions, and reckless driving,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Injuries and fatalities aren’t just limited to the major highways. We’re asking Connecticut drivers to slow down on rural roads. Our partnership with state and local law enforcement underscores the imperative need for motorists to obey the speed limit on rural roads.”
“Our Troopers have seen and investigated too many serious – yet preventable – collisions and have personally made notifications to families who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes,” said Connecticut State Police Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman. “The Connecticut State Police continues to focus our efforts on reducing serious collisions in rural areas. Our collaboration with roadway safety partners across the state has helped us to identify high-risk locations on rural roads and enhance proactive traffic patrols in those areas. By working together and combining our knowledge and resources, we can undoubtedly reduce the number of crashes and save lives.”
“Connecticut’s local and rural roadways are an integral part of our transportation network, heavily utilized by motorists and bicyclists alike. A majority of the serious and fatal crashes on rural roads are often a result of excessive speed,” said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. “Connecticut’s police officers are committed to keeping our rural roadways safe for all to travel and will be actively enforcing speed limits on these vital stretches of highway.”
The collaboration between CTDOT and state and local law enforcement underscores a collective commitment to reducing traffic-related incidents and improving overall safety on rural roadways in Connecticut.
The federal funding for this initiative allows participating agencies to purchase speed detection and education equipment, along with conducting enforcement activities on identified high-risk rural roadways. The High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) program is being offered on an expanded year-round basis and is in line with the goals and objectives as highlighted in the Connecticut Highway Safety Plan.
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