Christmas/New Year's 2019-2020 DUI Checkpoints In CT: When, Where

CONNECTICUT — With tens of thousands of Connecticut residents traveling between now and Jan. 1, 2020, State Police released details Friday on where roving patrols and DUI checkpoints will be held from Christmas through New Year's Day.

"Ditching distractions and careful planning will lead to safer roadways throughout the state during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday week," Connecticut State Police said.

In preparation for the holidays, troopers are asking motorists to plan ahead before traveling to a party or to a retail destination. Thousands will take to the interstates in Connecticut, so it’s vital that motorists follow traffic laws to prevent collisions and injuries, state police said.

Some tips from Connecticut troopers:

• Drive the speed limit.
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
• Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
• Refrain from texting or using your phone.
• Never consume alcoholic beverages or drugs, including those legally prescribed, before you get behind the wheel.
• Immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit or move over one lane (whenever safe to do so) whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane. Please give them room to do their job efficiently and safely.

Drivers are also reminded to plan their trips with care:

• Fill the gas tank prior to your journey.
• Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure.
• Fully charge your cell phone.
• Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks.
• Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving home.
• Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.

“Weather conditions can change at any time during the winter. We ask you to please heed any weather precautions prior to leaving for your destination. The safety of yourself, your family and others on the road should remain your top priority,” said Col. Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police. “While on patrol, troopers will focus on distracted driving and those who may be operating under the influence. Please, be our partners in safety by following state laws on the road."

Here is a look at where the roving DUI patrols and planned DUI Checkpoints will be held from Dec. 20 until Jan. 1 in CT:

Troop A: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on I-84 in greater Waterbury, Danbury and Southbury areas; Route 8 in Waterbury; Route 7 in Brookfield/Danbury

Troop B: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on Route 44 and surrounding roads; New Hartford to Route 8, Winsted

Troop C: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on I-84 in Tolland/Union and within the greater Troop C patrol area.

Troop D: Dec. 27; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. DUI Sobriety Checkpoint in the area of Route 44/Route 21, East Putnam, in conjunction with the Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit.

Troop E: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on I-95, I-395 and within the greater Troop E patrol area.

Troop F: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on Route 9 and I-95 in Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Essex, Chester, Deep River, Haddam and Killingworth.

Troop G: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on I-95 in Milford/New Haven area, Bridgeport/Westport area and Stamford/Norwalk area; Route 15 in Norwalk/Stamford area; Routes 8/25 in Bridgeport area.

Troop H: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on I-84 and I-91 and Routes 2, 5, and 15.

Troop I: Dec. 30; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. DUI Sobriety Checkpoint on I-91, exit 6 on-ramp from Willow Street in New Haven, in conjunction with the Breath Alcohol Testing Mobil Unit.

Troop K: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on Route 2 within the greater Troop K patrol area.

Troop L: Dec. 20 to Jan. 1; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Roving DUI patrols on Route 8 in the Watertown/Litchfield area; state highways in the greater Troop L patrol area.