By Connecticut State Police.
(MIDDLETOWN, CT – December 29, 2022) – With New Year’s Eve just days away, Connecticut State Troopers are preparing for roadway enforcement to keep drivers and passengers safe on a busy travel night.
As always, drivers are asked to ditch the distractions and plan their trips with safety in mind. Traffic is consistently heavy during the week between Christmas and New Year’s and 2022 will be no different.
In order to keep passengers and themselves safe, drivers are asked to drive the speed limit, buckle up, use signals when turning or changing lanes and ditch the cell phones. Of course, drivers should never consume alcoholic beverages or drugs that diminish one’s driving abilities (including those legally prescribed) before getting behind the wheel.
“It is vital to everyone’s safety that operators follow traffic laws in order to keep roadways clear of hazards. We count on the motoring public to have their vehicles road-ready prior to leaving home and to ditch distractions once they are behind the wheel,” noted Colonel Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police.
“Keep an eye on weather, as conditions in our state tend to change quickly this time
of year.”
“Roving Trooper patrols will continue this week and into New Year’s Eve weekend to focus on those who may be operating under the influence. Once again, I ask citizens of Connecticut to be our partners in public safety during this busy week and always,”
Colonel Mellekas said. “Please celebrate responsibly and plan ahead for a safe and sober ride after the confetti has fallen. Let’s work together to ring in a safe and healthy 2023.”
DUI Checkpoints will be operated by Patrol Troopers and the Traffic Services Unit (TSU) as follows:
Dec. 29, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 am. Troop I and TSU will be at the Intersection of Whitney Avenue and the end of Route 40 connector from I-91 (Hamden)
Dec. 30, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. – Troop A and TSU will be at the intersection of Lake Avenue Extension under the I-84 overpass (Danbury)
The State Police Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit and TSU Troopers will be at each of these locations, in addition to the Troopers from these respective barracks.
CT State Police New Year’s Eve Stats from previous years:
12:00 a.m. on 12/30/2021 through 11;59 p.m. on 1/02/2022
Total Calls for Service – 5,159
Speeding Violations – 352
Seatbelt Violations – 13
DUI Arrests – 36
Accidents – 243
With Injury – 25
Fatalities – 2
Motorist Assists – 195
12:00 a.m. on 12/31/2020 through 11:59 p.m. on 1/03/2021
Total Calls for Service – 5,030
Speeding Violations – 184
Seatbelt Violations – 1
DUI Arrests – 21
Accidents – 217
With Injury – 25
Fatalities – 1
Motorist Assists – 228
12:00 a.m. on 12/30/2019 through 11:59 p.m. on 1/02/2020
Total Calls for Service – 5,876
Speeding Violations – 449
Seatbelt Violations – 7
DUI Arrests – 26
Accidents – 305
With Injury – 36
Fatalities – 0
Motorist Assists – 248
