The Connecticut State Police are preparing for an increased number of vehicles on local and highway roads during the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, the kickoff to summer.
Traditionally, the approach of Memorial Day signals activities related to the gathering of family and friends at backyard barbeques and beaches. State Troopers will be on duty to ensure that highways are free of hazardous drivers as residents drive to their destinations.
Residents can be assured that your Connecticut State Troopers will be patrolling state roads and highways during the three-day weekend. Troopers from the 11 State Police barracks will conduct extra roving DUI patrols from 12 a.m. on May 24 through 11:59 p.m. on May 27.
Troopers ask operators to utilize lawful driving skills and plan for traffic delays as more drivers venture out this weekend. Safety should always be the top priority for all drivers whenever they get behind the wheel.
Some safety tips – and laws – that Troopers ask you to remember: BUCKLE UP, OBEY SPEED LIMITS, DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSE, REMOVE DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING, STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE, and NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
Remember that the “Move Over” law requires motorists approaching any stationary vehicle to immediately slow to a speed below the posted speed limit and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stationary vehicle, to move over one lane, unless it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. This includes other citizen vehicles and emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles or licensed wreckers. Please pay attention to these vehicles and those who may be working in the roadway.
“We anticipate a busy Memorial Day weekend, as residents kick off summer, attend
graduations, weddings, parties, or simply head to the beach. As the roads fill up with vehicles, more traffic issues will pop up throughout the state,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the CT State Police. “The cooperation of all drivers is essential to avoiding tragedies on our roads. As always, we ask operators to please follow state laws to help keep the roadway safe for all drivers, passengers and first responders.”
During Memorial Day Weekend 2024, motorists should be aware that Connecticut State Troopers will employ all methods of enforcement to increase highway safety, including laser units for speed enforcement, as well as marked & unmarked non traditional police vehicles, to proactively patrol our roadways.
In addition, Troops throughout the state will be conducting roving DUI patrols in each Troop area.
2023 Memorial Day Weekend Enforcement Stats:
Calls for service: 5,880
Speeding: 518
Seatbelt violations: 208
Hazardous moving violations (to include: unsafe lane change, following too closely, move over, etc): 576
DUI arrests: 36
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 273
– With reported injuries: 32
– With serious injuries: 2
– Fatalities: 4
A reminder to obey all traffic laws, pay attention to your speed and if you plan to consume alcohol or drugs, please designate a driver. If you see a suspected impaired driver, report it immediately by calling 911, as this is a true emergency.