STATE POLICE ISSUE THANKSGIVING TRAFFIC ADVISORY

   As Connecticut residents prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends the Connecticut State Police are preparing to implement plans for enhancement of enforcement and visibility on all of our highways and roads in Connecticut. Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) is an intricate part of the highway safety plan.

   The Connecticut State Police will supplement normal routine patrol personnel with additional Troopers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Troopers will patrol all roads and highways across Connecticut and focus on drunk driving and target aggressive speeding drivers and unsafe operation. Thanksgiving eve and day are two of the busiest traffic days of the year. Motorists need to remember, not to follow other vehicles too close, to slow down, stay off your cell phone, BUCKLE UP while driving, and report any suspected drunk drivers to police by calling 911.

   Troopers will staff sobriety checkpoints and conduct many targeted roving DUI patrols. Targeting DUI violators across the state throughout the entire weekend will enhance safety for all. The Connecticut State Police are committed to reducing crashes and making our roads safe for everyone. Troopers will be looking for the violators that cause accidents on Connecticut roads and highways.

   Every effort to reduce accidents is being taken but Connecticut Residents are urged to be a part of the pubic safety solution. Residents should remind all young people - especially college students returning home the first time this semester - of the laws regarding alcohol consumption by underage people, and also drinking and driving dangers.

   Uniformed Troopers will use Non-traditional patrol cars to observe traffic and issue tickets to reckless distracted drivers. A reminder to all drivers:  if you consume alcohol, never get behind the wheel.

   Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford said, "Your Connecticut State Police will work very hard to keep our Connecticut roads and highways safe.  Help us reduce accidents, drive with extra caution this Thanksgiving holiday.  As we do our part through enforcement, please do your part by driving safely."

   Click  State Police Thanksgiving Spot Check Schedule for a list of spot checks that State Police will set up over the holiday weekend.

   Ride along with Troopers must be scheduled in advance with Lt. Vance.

###END### 

LT. J. Paul Vance