State Police Present Traffic Law Primer With Virtual Ride Along

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — State police on Wednesday gave the public an education in traffic laws during a virtual ridealong.

It was the latest in a series of promotions posted to social media outlets this week.

One point of emphasis was that, "Anything over 85mph is reckless driving which an arrestable offense." To illustrate the point, state police used a photo of what Interstate-91 looks like during the afternoon rush hour these days.

One driver was not going that fast, but it was close.

(CT State Police)

"Highways are open and it's a lot easier to not realize you're speeding," state police said. "And that is what the operator said. Traveling at 81mph in a 55 mph zone is a $304 ticket."

It's usually less tricky on I-91, state police said. The speed limit on most areas of I-91 is 65 MPH.

"Speed limit signs on our roads are posted to encourage safe driving behaviors," state police said. "The likelihood of a serious injury collision increases as your speed increases. Slow down and drive safe. Lives are depending on it."

The ridealong came upon a strange accident.

(CT State Police)

"The operator said he was putting on his seatbelt and his knee knocked the steering wheel," state police said in the explanation. "Distracted driving, yes. Lesson learned, put your seatbelt on right away. We are thankful that no one was injured."

State police left drivers with a mesasage:

"Just because we’re near the end of tonight’s virtual ride along does not mean our night is over. Please remember that the speed limit signs are there for a reason. These signs are not recommendations ... It's the law."