Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

State Troopers Prepare for Holiday Highway Enforcement

(MIDDLETOWN, CT – December 19, 2018) – In preparation for the Christmas holiday week, Connecticut State Troopers remind motorists that combining careful planning with sensible driving will lead to safer road trips for those making a trek during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Tens of thousands of travelers are expected to drive on Connecticut highways during the upcoming holidays.  State Police ask motorists to follow all motor vehicle laws, as their behavior on the roads is essential to keeping potential hazards at a distance. Simply putting traffic laws into practice will prevent accidents and save lives:

  • Drive the speed limit.
  • Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  • Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
  • Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
  • Refrain from texting or using your phone.
  • Never consume alcoholic beverages or drugs, including those legally prescribed, before you get behind the wheel.
  • Immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit or move over one lane (whenever safe to do so) whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane. Please give them room to do their job efficiently and safely.

Drivers are also reminded to plan their trips with care:

  • Fill the gas tank prior to your journey.
  • Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure.
  • Fully charge your cell phone.
  • Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks.
  • Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving home.
  • Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.

“We ask that all motorists pay attention to weather forecasts before they head for their destinations and always use caution while traveling on Connecticut roads,” said State Police Colonel George F. Battle. “If you get behind the wheel, please make the safety of those on the road your top priority.”

He added:  “Our Troopers will be patrolling state highways with a keen focus on those driving with distractions and those operating under the influence. Every driver has the opportunity to be our partner by obeying state laws on the road.”

State Police will operate roving patrols and conduct DUI checkpoints starting December 21, 2018, and continuing through January 2, 2019.  Please see the following list of patrols and checkpoints:

Troop A

  • Dec. 20-26 – 1900-0400 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols from greater Waterbury area to greater Danbury area.
  • Dec. 30 – 1900-0300 hours – DUI Sobriety Checkpoint – Route 67 and intersection of Mountain Road, Oxford
  • Dec. 27-Jan 2 - 1900-0400 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols from greater Waterbury area to greater Danbury area.

Troop B

  • Dec. 20-26 – 1900-0300 hours - Roving DUI enforcement patrols – Route 8 and Routes 4, 7, 44, 63, 202 and 272.
  • Dec. 22 – 1900-0300 hours - DUI Sobriety Checkpoint – Route 44 in New Hartford.

Troop C

  • Dec. 21 - 1900-0300 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways & rural roads in Troop C towns.
  • Dec. 22 - 1900-0300 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways & rural roads in Troop C towns.
  • Dec. 29 - 1900-0300 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways & rural roads in Troop C towns.
  • Dec. 31 - 1900-0300 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways & rural roads in Troop C towns.

Troop D

  • Dec. 21 - 1900-0300 hours - Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways and rural roads in Troop D towns.
  • Dec. 22 - 1900-0300 hours - Roving DUI enforcement patrols on highways and rural roads in Troop D towns.

Troop E

  • December 21 – Route 2, North Stonington, DUI Spotcheck
  • December 21 – January 2 – Roving DUI enforcement patrols throughout the Troop E area.

Troop F

  • Dec. 21 - Roving DUI enforcement patrols – Interstate 95 and Route 9.
  • Dec. 22 - Roving DUI enforcement patrols – Interstate 95 and Route 9.
  • Dec. 28 – 1900-0300 hours - DUI Sobriety Checkpoint – Route 66 between Jackson hill Road and Peters Lane, Middlefield.
  • Dec. 29 - Roving DUI enforcement patrols – Interstate 95 and Route 9.
  • Dec. 30- Roving DUI enforcement patrols – Interstate 95 and Route 9.

Troop G

  • December 21 – Between 1900-0300 hours - Interstate 95, Interstate 91 and Route 34 in the greater New Haven area.
  • December 22 – Between 1900-0300 hours - Interstate 95, Route 8 and Route 25 in the Bridgeport/Stratford/Trumbull area.

Troop H

  • Dec. 21 - 1900-0300 hours - DUI Sobriety Checkpoint – Interstate 84 exit 46 ramp.

Troop I

  • December 20 - Between 1900-0300 hours – Route 8 in the Shelton, Ansonia and Derby areas.
  • December 21 - Between 2000-0400 hours – Interstate 91 in the area of Interstate 691 in Meriden.
  • December 27 - Between 1900-0300 hours – Route 15 in the North Haven area.
  • December 28 – Between 2000-0400 hours – Interstate 691 in Meriden area near Interstate 91.

Troop K

  • December 20 – Between 1900 and 0300 hours - Patrol the area in and around Lebanon, Bozrah, Franklin and Windham (Route 6, Interstate 384).
  • December 23 – Between 1900 and 0300 hours Patrol the area in and around Bolton, Columbia and Andover (Route 6, Route 87) and Route 2.

Troop L

  • Dec. 20-26 – 1900-0400 hours – Roving DUI enforcement patrols on Routes 4, 6, 7, 8, 45, 47, 61, 63, 64, 72, 109, 132, 202, 254, 341.