STATE POLICE ENCOURAGE SAFE DRIVING

                                      THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

   The Connecticut State Police Department is participating with other State Police Departments across the country in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).

   The OPERATION CARE weekend starts on Friday, September 3, 2010, and continues through midnight on Monday, September 6, 2010.  Connecticut State Troopers will maintain high visibility throughout the weekend. Traditionally this is a very heavily traveled holiday. The State Police effort is to REDUCE the number of motor vehicle accidents, especially injury-causing accidents.

   State Police Barracks Commanders will tailor their enforcement efforts according to the particular needs of each troop area. The enforcement concentration will take place statewide and focus on hazardous moving violations: reckless driving, Driving Under the Influence, speeding, following too close, unsafe lane changes, and seatbelt use.  Sobriety Checkpoints will also be established to deter drunk drivers from taking to the roads.  Click this link -  State Police Labor Day Checkpoints - for checkpoint locations).

   The State Police Department is striving for 100% compliance by motorists in seatbelt use in all vehicles. The use of seat belts by all occupants has shown to reduce injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Please, don’t spoil your holiday with injury or a ticket, wear your seatbelt, and be sure all your passengers are buckled up also.

   Motorist driving in the State of Connecticut are reminded to allow a little extra space between cars. Also take a few minutes to conduct a safety check of your car before you start your trip.

   If you drink this weekend, don’t drive. If anyone observes a suspected a drunk driver on any road or highway, remember this is a true emergency. Stay at a safe distance away and call 911. Help us remove all drunk drivers from our roads. There is zero tolerance for anyone who mixes alcohol with the operation of a motor vehicle. State Police aircraft will be in service and available as needed.

   Public Safety Commissioner James Thomas stated, “Connecticut State Troopers will be maintaining high visibility throughout this weekend.  We are doing everything that we can to reduce the number of accidents and tragedies that take place during this holiday.  Comply with the laws and join our team.”

2009 Labor Day Stats  

DUI Arrests - 67    

Speeding - 1635

Seat Belt violations - 351 

Total Accidents-220, 35 with injury, 1 fatal

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Lt. J. Paul Vance