DUI Patrols Ramp Up As CT State Police Prep For Labor Day Traffic

CONNECTICUT — State police are warning motorists they expect Labor Day weekend traffic not to be hampered by motorists afraid of spreading the coronavirus, with the number of vehicles on the road will increasing accordingly, according to tradition.

Accordingly, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, troopers from each of the agency's 11 troops will be conducting roving DUI patrols.

"Even with COVID-19 restrictions, we expect traffic to be heavy during the three-day holiday weekend. We ask all drivers to remember that arriving at their destination safely should be their number one priority," said Col. Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police. "We strongly encourage all drivers to plan for plenty of time to drive, expect traffic delays and proceed with caution. Obeying the rules of the road is everyone's responsibility."

Your Connecticut State Troopers remind all motor vehicle operators:

• If you plan to consume alcohol then please designate a driver so that this long holiday weekend does not turn into a tragedy. Drinking and driving is a deadly combination, so planning ahead is vital. If you are on the road and see what you suspect is a drunk driver, please call 911, as this is a true emergency.
• Always obey the Move Over Law, which requires any operator of a motor vehicle on a highway when approaching one or more emergency vehicles that are stationary or traveling significantly below the posted speed limit and located on the shoulder, lane or breakdown lane of such highway shall
  • immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit; and
  • if traveling in the lane adjacent to the shoulder, lane or breakdown lane containing such emergency vehicle, move such motor vehicle over one lane, unless such movement would be unreasonable or unsafe.

The troopers advise: "Obeying the rules of the road is everyone's responsibility: buckle up, adhere to the speed limit, put down cell phones, and please concentrate on the primary job when behind the wheel - driving."

Here are the stats from last year's Labor Day weekend, according to the state police:

• Calls for service: 7,000
• Motorist assists: 259
• Motor vehicle accidents: 424
• With injury: 51
• Fatalities: 1
• DUI arrests: 46
• Speeding tickets: 683
• Seatbelt violations: 43
• Distracted driving: 37
• Hazardous moving violations: 2,208 (to include: unsafe lane change, following too closely, move over, etc).