The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, today announced the launch of a High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign to improve roadway safety and reduce speed-related crashes on rural roads.
Running from March 1 to May 30, 2025, the enforcement campaign will focus on increasing police patrols on rural roadways, deploying advanced speed-detection technology, and boosting public awareness through a statewide media campaign.
The $2 million initiative is funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
The CTDOT announced the 91-day enforcement campaign on Wednesday at the Montville Police Department along with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and various law enforcement officials.
“Most of my days are spent on Connecticut’s roads, and as I travel throughout our beautiful state taking in our scenic routes, I am also shocked to see dangerous driving habits – especially along our rural roads,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “CTDOT and our local law enforcement agencies have been invaluable partners in our efforts to keep the state’s roadways safer, and this campaign shows their continued commitment. I hope the Connecticut motorists will take steps to drive safer – not just during this campaign, but throughout the year. Let’s work together so that we all get home safe!”
“Rural roads are not just scenic—they can be deadly when drivers speed or drive recklessly,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “The success of our first campaign demonstrated that targeted enforcement and public awareness can make a real impact in reducing crashes and saving lives. This renewed effort sends a clear message: slow down, pay attention, and drive responsibly.”
“As law enforcement officers, one of our primary goals is to ensure the safety of all road users,” said Chief Marc Balestracci, Waterford Police Department, member of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Speeding on rural roads not only endangers the driver but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. We are committed to enforcing speed limits and promoting safe driving behaviors to reduce preventable tragedies in our communities.”
“In Montville, we’ve seen firsthand how targeted enforcement on high-risk rural roads makes a real difference in preventing crashes and saving lives,” said Montville Police Chief Wilfred Blanchette III. “Thanks to the 2024 initiative, our officers made 887 traffic stops and issued over 110 citations for speeding, reckless, and impaired driving. These roads are crucial to our community, connecting residents, businesses, and schools, but they can quickly become dangerous when drivers exceed the speed limit. We urge everyone to slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules of the road.”
“Troopers patrol not just highways in Connecticut, but also rural roads in the dozens of towns that we cover. They have witnessed reckless driving habits such as speeding and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs – illegal behaviors which lead to crashes, injuries, or death,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “We count on the public to be our partners in safety by following the rules of the road and calling 911 when they witness reckless driving, as this is a true emergency.”
The CTDOT launched its first High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign in 2024, which led to over 7,600 traffic stops and 4,300 speeding citations, demonstrating measurable success in curbing dangerous driving behaviors on rural roads. Through this initiative, CTDOT also provided funds for local and state police departments to purchase speed-detection technology, such as radar, lidar, and speed indicator signs.
From 2019 to 2023, Connecticut averaged 44 rural road fatalities annually, accounting for 14 percent of all roadway deaths statewide. Of those rural road fatalities, 25 percent were speed related. Preliminary data for 2024 indicate there were 94,766 crashes and 328 fatalities in the state.
Penalties for speeding vary by location and documented speed. But fines can range from $200 to $500 and might include a mandatory court date. For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs/speeding.