State Police Add Roving Patrols to CT’s Roadways through Christmas and New Year’s Holidays

Connecticut State Police are planing several DUI checkpoints and roving patrols for the Christmas holiday weekend. Extra troopers will be on the road over the holiday weekend to crack down on drunk driving.

“Connecticut State Troopers remind motorists that combining careful planning with sensible driving will lead to safer holiday as they travel to holiday celebrations. Many travelers are expected to hit Connecticut highways during the upcoming holidays. State Troopers ask motorists to follow all driving laws, as their behavior on the roads is essential to keeping potential hazards at a distance,” State Police said in a release.

State Troopers urge drivers to:

• 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 alcohol or prescription drugs before you get behind the wheel.
• Move over and give police, fire trucks, ambulances and tow trucks room to do their job efficiently and safely.

Plan your driving in advance:
• 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 conditions before leaving home.
• Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.

“Your cooperation is critical to ensuring the well-being of all who are driving our highways and roads throughout the holiday weekend. Whenever you get behind the wheel, safety must be your top priority. Please be our partner in keeping the roadways safe for all motorists,” State Police said.

State Police will operate roving patrols and conduct DUI checkpoints through the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. The goal is to reduce DUIs, crashes and injury-producing accidents occurring on the interstates, state roads and local roadways.