With Memorial Day weekend here, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies, is reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep our roads safe.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and it should be remembered for honoring our heroes, not for preventable tragedies. This Memorial Day let’s take care of each other and make smart choices that save lives,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Connecticut law enforcement will participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign throughout the holiday weekend to deter impaired driving and help ensure everyone gets home safely. If you are driving under the influence, you will be pulled over.”
In Connecticut in 2023, the last year of verifiable data, 113 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for 37% of all fatalities in the state.
According to NHTSA, about 34 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes, that's one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
“As summer approaches, state troopers are ready for increased traffic and a rise in crashes,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “Our focus is on removing impaired drivers from the roads to prevent crashes and save lives. We urge the public to help by choosing a sober driver, using rideshare if consuming alcohol or cannabis, and calling 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.”
“As Memorial Day weekend approaches, law enforcement across Connecticut will increase patrols, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers,” said Chief Joshua Bernegger of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA). “Please celebrate responsibly. If you plan to drink, use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation. Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
The Connecticut Department of Transportation urges everyone to do their part to make the roads safer this holiday weekend by following these simple safety steps:
- Never drive if you’ve been drinking. Impairment begins with the first drink.
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, or arrange for a taxi, rideshare, or use public transit.
- Look out for others. Don’t let friends or family drive if they’re impaired; help them find a safe way home.
- Be alert. If you see someone driving erratically and suspect they may be impaired, call 911.
For more information on impaired driving, visit nhtsa.gov.