By Connecticut State Police
(August 31, 2022) – Labor Day weekend is just days away – and that usually means more traffic on roadways throughout Connecticut. Your Connecticut State Troopers will be out patrolling the highways and protecting the public all weekend long.
A reminder from the Connecticut State Police: as many continue to gather for summer cookouts and beach outings, the number of vehicles on the road increases accordingly.
Starting at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2022, Troopers from each of the agency’s 11 troops will be conducting roving DUI patrols.
In addition, Troopers will be on the waterways patrolling on State Police watercraft, as many residents are expected to take to rivers and lakes this weekend.
“Right now, the weather forecast looks perfect for gathering with family and friends, so we do expect traffic to be heavy during the three-day holiday weekend. Drivers are asked to remember that arriving safely should always be their number one priority,” noted Colonel Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police. “Because of expected traffic, we ask that all drivers plan for plenty of time to reach their destinations. Expect road delays, proceed with caution and remember that obeying traffic rules is everyone’s responsibility.”
Your Connecticut State Troopers remind all motor vehicle operators:
• If you plan to consume alcohol, then please designate a driver so that this long holiday weekend is not marred by a tragedy. Drinking and driving is a deadly combination, so planning ahead is crucial. If you are on the road and see what you suspect is a drunk driver, please call 911, as this is a true emergency.
• Always obey the Move Over Law, which requires “Any operator of a motor vehicle on a highway, when approaching one or more emergency vehicles that are stationary or traveling significantly below the posted speed limit and located on the shoulder, lane or breakdown lane of such highway, shall (1) immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit, and (2) if traveling in the lane adjacent to the shoulder, lane or breakdown lane containing such emergency vehicle, move such motor vehicle over one lane, unless such movement would be unreasonable or unsafe.”
