CT State Police Prep For Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Enforcement

CONNECTICUT — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Connecticut State Police is ramping up traffic enforcement due to the expected increase in vehicles on the roads and highways.

This year, the weekend could be significantly more congested due to the recent easing of restrictions as Connecticut emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

"We ask that all drivers be our partners in safety," said State Police Colonel Stavros Mellekas in a statement. "As the state lifts pandemic restrictions, the potential for more traffic issues increases. Lawful driving by all motorists is the key to avoiding tragedies on Connecticut’s highways. Operators are urged to follow state laws in order to maintain non-hazardous situations for drivers, passengers and first responders."

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start to summer with the kickoff to activities related to beaches, backyards, barbeques, fairs and festivals. This year especially, people are eager to safely gather again for parties and cookouts, and Connecticut State Troopers are standing by to ensure that highways are free of hazardous drivers.

From Thursday evening through Monday evening, troopers will be patrolling state roads and highways in greater numbers and will conduct additional roving DUI patrols throughout the state. All methods of policing tools will be at their disposal, including laser units for speed enforcement, as well as marked and unmarked, and other non-traditional, police vehicles for patrolling.

Drivers should expect traffic delays throughout the holiday weekend, and plan their trips accordingly. Traffic could be even be worse this weekend due to expected inclement weather.

Troopers offer this simple tips/laws to follow this and every weekend:

• BUCKLE UP
• OBEY SPEED LIMITS
• DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSE
• REMOVE DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING
• STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

"A reminder to obey all traffic laws, pay attention to your speed and if you plan to drink, please designate a driver," authorities said. "If you see a suspected drunk driver report it immediately by calling 911, as this is a true emergency."

In addition, the state's "Move Over" law requires motorists approaching stationary emergency vehicles to immediately slow to a speed below the posted speed limit and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to an emergency vehicle, to move over one lane, unless it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. As defined by law, "emergency vehicle" is any vehicle with activated flashing lights including ambulances, fire vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles or licensed wreckers. Please pay attention to these vehicles and those who work in them.

Below are Connecticut enforcement statistics from the past two Memorial Day weekends:

2020 Memorial Day Weekend Enforcement

Calls for Service: 7,963

SPEEDING: 983

SEATBELT violations: 39

TOTAL violations (including unsafe lane change, following too closely, move over, etc): 2,017

DUI arrests: 33

ACCIDENTS:
Investigated: 175; No fatalities

2019 Memorial Day Weekend Enforcement

Calls for Service: 7,540

SPEEDING: 607

SEATBELT: 448

TOTAL VIOLATIONS: 2242 (to include unsafe lane change, following too closely, cell phone, texting, speeding, seatbelt, etc.)

DUI ARRESTS: 20

ACCIDENTS: Investigated: 341; With injury: 52; Fatalities: 1