Traffic Stops, Infractions Soaring In CT: Here's Why And What Else Is Planned

CONNECTICUT — The State Police have begun cracking down on dicey drivers.

From March 12 through March 18, Connecticut State Troopers made 2,669 total traffic stops, resulting in 1,369 infractions, most of them for speeding, according to data released Friday from The Governor's Office. That's an increase of more than 1,100 traffic stops and nearly 650 infractions, compared to two weeks previous.

The strategy shift is part of a special initiative to reduce highway fatalities and crashes launched across the state last month, when Gov. Ned Lamont declared that the CSP would send "a clear message that reckless driving is dangerous and illegal."

Concerns about reckless driving and speeding motorists have been growing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago.

There were 303 traffic fatalities in Connecticut in 2021, 366 in 2022, and 322 in 2023, according to the state Department of Transportation. In 2024, there have been 53 fatalities across all Connecticut roads. There have been three wrong-way fatal crashes and 7 deaths.

The presence of troopers has been expanded in areas where there have been higher fatalities and crashes. This includes Route 15, I-95, I-91, and rural roads. Additional enforcement is planned for I-91 in the Hartford area and later along I-84 between Danbury and Waterbury, according to a news release from the Governor's Office.

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Since the deaths of four people on I-95 in West Haven on Feb. 25, there have been no fatal or serious injury collisions in the primary enforcement areas.

"The targeted enforcement is working. We are doing what we said we would do. Police are making contact with drivers and taking enforcement action when necessary," said Interim Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins.

Law enforcement officials say they have identified speed as a "significant factor" in many fatal crashes.

"The State Police are using a data driven approach to identify targeted areas of enforcement. I want to assure motorists that Troopers are out there 24/7 to deter operators from driving aggressively," said Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "Aggressive and distracted driving creates hazardous conditions on our roadways, and we urge all drivers to follow the rules of the road."

Source: DESPP, Division of State Police