During the 4^th of July holiday, increased public safety is just as traditional as fireworks, so the Connecticut State Police today displayed new technology that will allow more efficiency in the field.

State Police demonstrated the new “e-ticket” technology that is now in each State Police cruiser on the road. The e-ticket is printed in the cruiser, providing a time-saving device for Troopers and the public.  The tickets print clearly and decrease the time that vehicles and cruisers are sitting on the side of the road.

“This technology gives our Troopers another tool to ensure that safety is the priority when enforcing the laws of the state,” said Colonel Thomas Davoren, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “E-tickets provide greater efficiency and save time, allowing Troopers to quickly return to patrolling Connecticut roadways.”

In addition, State Police revealed a new breath analysis instrument that was put into service today and will provide better screening of alcohol present in drivers suspected of driving while under the influence. The unit replaces the existing breath analysis instruments that are coming to the end of their serviceable lives.  Funding for the new equipment ($750,000) was obtained through the state Department of Transportation from highway safety funding.

           The Connecticut State Police will be on patrol in force for the July 4^th 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 and running until MIDNIGHT July 4. 

         Connecticut State Troopers will man sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations throughout the state. 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;  they will be strategically placed with a concentrated effort to reduce speeds on the highways during the holiday period.

Colonel Davoren noted, “One drunk driver on the road can turn a festive holiday into a tragedy. 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 driver to police as this is a true emergency.”

Troopers assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the Department of Public Safety reminds Connecticut residents that fireworks are illegal in the state. The only legal “fireworks” items in Connecticut are sparklers, which are defined by state statute as non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture.  Sparklers can be legally used only by persons 16 and older.

Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut.

“These items are not only illegal, they are dangerous and have caused serious injury. The safest way to enjoy fireworks on this Independence Day is to attend a public display,” noted Public Safety Commissioner James Thomas.

List of 4th of July State Police Checkpoints

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