By Connecticut State Police.
(November 22, 2023) – Thanksgiving week is often called the busiest travel week of the year and 2023 will likely be no exception. As family and friends drive near and far, Connecticut State Troopers will ramp up their plans to keep highways safe for everyone during the holiday rush.
Throughout the long holiday weekend, Connecticut State Police will patrol roads and highways across Connecticut focusing on aggressive drivers, unsafe drivers and drivers operating under the influence. These violations are causes of countless motor vehicle crashes in Connecticut and Troopers are committed to preventive enforcement in order to avoid wrecks.
Troopers assigned to Bradley International Airport will help ensure safety as passengers dash in and out of the terminal. Travelers should check with the airlines to see if flights are on time to avoid waiting around the terminal. The active pick up and drop off of passengers is permitted at curbside in front of the terminals.
Please remember that leaving a vehicle unattended is prohibited and may result in a fine. Drivers may park in the free Cell Phone Parking Lot while waiting for passengers to arrive; the lot is located on Light Lane, minutes from the terminal: https://bradleyairport.com/directions-parking/cell-phone-lot/
On state highways, Troopers ask Connecticut residents to be part of the public safety solution by obeying traffic laws: don’t follow too closely to cars around yours, buckle up, drive the speed limit, and stay off your cell phone while driving. If you plan to consume alcohol or use marijuana, please do not drive; designate a driver for everyone’s safety.
“We ask that all drivers follow traffic laws and serve as an extra set of eyes on the highways. If you see an emergency on the road, please call 911,” noted Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the State Police. “During this very busy long holiday weekend, please take the time to arrive at your destination safely. Check traffic and weather reports before you leave home and be patient as highways will be crowded.”
Patrol Troopers will use traditional and non-traditional patrol cars to observe traffic and issue tickets to reckless and distracted drivers. A reminder to all drivers: anyone who is consuming alcohol should never get behind the wheel.
If you see a suspected drunk driver or a suspected reckless driver, please call 911, as this is a true emergency.
Following are the 2022 Thanksgiving traffic stats:
Calls for service: 6,569
Motorist assists: 297
Speeding violations: 265
Motor vehicle accidents: 444
Fatalities: 4
DUI Arrests: 41
Infractions for other violations: (including seatbelt, unsafe lane change, following too closely, move over,
distracted driving, etc.): 913
Following are the 2021 Thanksgiving traffic stats:
Calls for Service: 7,500
Speeding Violations: 501
Seatbelt Violations: 118
Other Hazardous Violations: 559
(to include unsafe lane change, following too closely, cell phone usage, etc.)
DUI Arrests: 50
Accidents Investigated: 543
With Reported Injuries: 46
Serious Injuries: 0
Fatalities: 1
Following are the 2020 Thanksgiving stats (when many residents stayed home due to Covid-19):
Calls for Service: 7,181
SPEEDING violations: 211
SEATBELT violations: 106
OTHER HAZARDOUS violations: 775
(to include unsafe lane change, following too closely, cell phone usage, texting, failure to signal, etc.)
DUI arrests: 29
ACCIDENTS investigated: 376
w/injury: 52
fatalities: 7
