As Memorial Day approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Connecticut state and local law enforcement on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The impaired driving awareness campaign seeks to encourage safe driving throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
According to NHTSA, about 37 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes, that's one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 127 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the state.
“As we welcome the unofficial start of the summer season, it's crucial to prioritize safety during celebrations. If you are drinking alcohol, make sure you have a sober ride home,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “It is possible to enjoy the holiday and obey traffic safety laws intended to ensure everyone makes it home safely. I’m grateful for CTDOT’s partnership with the state and local police who will be on the lookout for impaired drivers this holiday weekend.”
“As we gear up for Memorial Day weekend, let's remember the true purpose of this holiday: honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. “As we celebrate, let's also prioritize safety on the roads. Troopers will be on patrol across the entire state on the lookout for impaired drivers. Your choices behind the wheel affect not only your life but also the lives of those around you.”
“Connecticut’s police officers will be actively patrolling the state’s roadways this Memorial Day weekend looking for impaired drivers. Let’s all do our part to keep our highways safe. Drive sober or get pulled over,” said Chief Joshua Bernegger, Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA).
The Connecticut Department of Transportation recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
- Never drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- Utilize rideshare programs or public transit if available.
- Report drunk drivers to local law enforcement.
- Prevent friends from driving drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
For more information on impaired driving, visit nhtsa.gov.