CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE

                                             PROMOTING SAFETY FOR JULY 4^th 2006

The July 4^th holiday weekend is jumping into full swing. Families and Friends are expected to travel in and through our state, to participate in outings, picnics, and other summer festivities. As people participate in social outings, picnics with the warm weather, Alcohol consumption normally increases. One DRUNK DRIVER on the road can turn a festive enjoyable summer event into a tragedy.

The Connecticut State Police will be on patrol for the July 4^th 2006 Holiday weekend with an increased number of Troopers patrolling the highways and roads of our state. Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) will be in effect the entire weekend starting July 1^ST  and running until MIDNIGHT July 4^th.  This combined effort of State Police Departments across the United States will cause numerous safety operations to take place. Connecticut State Troopers will man sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations in Connecticut. Sites will be chosen where Troopers experience a high number of alcohol-involved crashes. State Troopers will use  aircraft and speed measuring devices (radar) to monitor speeds.  Troopers will be strategically placed with a concentrated effort to reduce speeds on the highways during the holiday period.

This year the Connecticut State Police is doing everything possible to try to prevent fatal crashes from happening on Connecticut highways. The State Police will utilize all specialized State Police equipment including airplanes, helicopter, and radar, to enhance highway safety and to remove all drunk drivers from Connecticut’s roads.

Public Safety Commissioner Leonard C. Boyle said, “wear your seatbelt, a seat belt can save your life and also remember that courtesy on the highway, can be contagious, set the example drive with courtesy”.

During July 4^th 2005 Connecticut State Police issued the following number of summons: 1633 for speeding, 59 DUI, and 464 Seatbelt arrest. State Police investigated 287 motor vehicle crashes, 55 with injuries, and also investigated 2 fatal crashes.

Colonel Edward Lynch, Commander of the Connecticut State Police said “ Connecticut drivers can help State Troopers keep our highways safe by setting an example, drive the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol and drive, and immediately report a suspected drunk drivers to police as this is a true emergency”.

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Sgt. J. Paul Vance