By Connecticut State Police.
(June 29, 2023)—The upcoming Independence Day weekend has Connecticut State Troopers preparing for increased traffic and patrols as thousands of drivers will be traveling the roads and
highways across the state.
With July 4th falling on a Tuesday, this holiday weekend could stretch to four days for many in Connecticut. This will likely mean trips to the beach, backyard barbeques and fireworks displays. Troopers expect traffic to increase accordingly by the evening of Thursday, June 29, and continuing through the evening of Tuesday, July 4. State Troopers will also be out, ensuring safe driving and conducting DUI roving patrols.
This weekend, as always, Troopers will consistently work toward preventing accidents on Connecticut’s roads and highways. Troopers remind drivers that obeying the rules of the road is everyone’s
responsibility: buckle up, adhere to the speed limit, put down cell phones, and please concentrate on the primary job when behind the wheel – driving.
Connecticut State Troopers ask operators to utilize lawful driving skills and plan for traffic delays due to possible traffic and road construction. Safety should be every driver’s top priority when behind the wheel to
ensure safe travel to and from all destinations.
A reminder that Connecticut’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.
Planning to consume alcohol to celebrate our nation’s 247th birthday? Then please designate a driver so that this festive, enjoyable holiday period does not turn into a tragedy, as drinking and driving is a deadly
combination. If you are on the road and suspect a drunk driver, please call 911, as this is a true emergency.
“Every day, we ask drivers to be our partners in road safety. Especially during a long, holiday weekend and all summer long, we expect traffic delays and travelers may be delayed in arriving at their destinations,”
said State Police Colonel Stavros Mellekas. “As always, we ask all motor vehicle operators to be patient and follow state law to keep themselves, their passengers and all first responders safe while on the roads.”
During Independence Day Weekend 2023, 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 patrol roadways.
Additionally, Troop K will be conducting a DUI spot check on June 30 from 7:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m. at Linwood Avenue (Route 16), in the area of the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Colchester.
Roving patrols will be conducted starting June 29 through July 5, covering the entire state. Each roving patrol
will begin at 6:00 pm ending at 4:00 am.
2022 Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Stats (12:00 a.m. July 1 through 11:59 p.m. July 4):
Calls for Service: 6,463
SPEEDING: 644
SEATBELT: 43
TOTAL VIOLATIONS: 910
(to include unsafe lane change, Following Too Closely, Cell Phone, Texting, Speeding, Seatbelt, etc.)
DUI Arrests: 50
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 299
With injury: 37
Fatalities: 2
2021 Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Stats (12:00 a.m. July 2 through 11:59 p.m. July 5):
Calls for Service: 5,390
SPEEDING: 483
SEATBELT: 2
TOTAL Moving VIOLATIONS: 978
(to include unsafe lane change, Following Too Closely, Cell Phone, Texting, Speeding, Seatbelt, etc.)
DUI Arrests: 26
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 381
With injury: 52
Fatalities: 3
2020 Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Stats (7 p.m. July 1 through 11:59 p.m. July 5):
Calls for Service: 6,520
SPEEDING: 279
SEATBELT: 12
TOTAL VIOLATIONS: 748
(to include unsafe lane change, Following Too Closely, Cell Phone, Texting, Speeding, Seatbelt, etc.)
DUI Arrests: 29
ACCIDENTS: 271
With injury: 49
Fatalities: 1
A reminder to obey all traffic laws, pay attention to your speed and if you plan to drink, please
designate a driver. If you see a suspected drunk driver report it immediately by calling 911, as this is a true
emergency.
