CTDOT Press Releases
06/30/2023
Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July Weekend
NEWINGTON, CT - This Fourth of July Weekend, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining state and local law enforcement to deliver lifesaving messages about the dangers of impaired driving.
While the holiday weekend is a celebration, the festivities can often turn tragic. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired driving crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, the last year of verifiable data, 538 people died in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period. Nearly 40% of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes; of those fatal crashes, more than 80% happened at night.
In Connecticut in 2021, preliminary data shows 112 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for 38% of all fatalities in the state.
“This holiday weekend, we need the public to keep themselves and everyone else safe. Do not drive impaired. Be a good friend, and don’t let your friends drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or call a taxi or rideshare,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Connecticut law enforcement is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign throughout the Fourth of July Holiday.”
“Nothing will ruin a fun holiday weekend faster than a tragedy that could have been prevented. Adults who choose to consume alcohol have a responsibility to themselves and their community to do so in a way that does not put others at risk,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “That means not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you choose to consume alcohol this weekend, call a rideshare service or taxi, take the train or other form of public transportation, or plan to have a designated driver. It’s not hard to do the right thing, and have a fun and safe holiday weekend.”
“The Connecticut State Police is partnering with the DOT to ensure all Connecticut roadways are safe during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. As always, we ask the residents of Connecticut to be our partners on the road and call 9-1-1 immediately if they witness someone driving recklessly,” said Colonel Stavros Mellekas, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “We ask all drivers to please ‘step up and step in’ if they see someone who may be impaired getting behind the wheel.”
“The Fourth of July is a wonderful holiday celebrating our nation’s independence. Connecticut law enforcement is committed to keeping our roadways safe this holiday weekend,” said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. “Please do not jeopardize the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of others by driving impaired. If you plan on drinking, use a designated driver.”
For more information, visit nhtsa.gov.
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