Five Fatal Accidents Reported During Christmas Holiday Weekend

By Brian McCready

Connecticut State Police released their holiday enforcement stats Monday morning and what stands out, unfortunately, is that five fatal accidents were reported on Connecticut’s roadways over the holiday weekend.

State Police say there were 461 accidents reported from Dec. 23 at 12:01 a.m. and continuing until midnight last night.

Of those 461 accidents, 56 included injuries, and the five fatal accidents occurred on Interstate 95 Exit 68 in Old Saybrook on Dec. 24, the Litchfield Turnpike in Bethany on Dec. 25, Route 6 in Bolton on Dec. 25, Interstate 84 Exit 58 in East Hartford on Dec. 26, and Interstate 91 Exit 46 in Enfield on Dec. 27.

State Police made 40 DUI arrests, 621 speeding citations, 36 seatbelt offenses, and 1,563 hazardous moving violations including distracted driving and cell phone offenses.

See related story: DUI Checkpoints for New Year’s 2015 in CT Released

By way of comparison in 2014, 279 accidents were reported during the same time period, which included 38 injuries and one fatality in Beacon Falls. There were 19 DUI arrests, 243 speeding offenses, 13 seatbelt violations, and 706 hazardous moving violations.

“Troopers observed a higher traffic volume over the Christmas holiday. This State Police enforcement effort will continue through the New Year’s Eve Holiday Celebration,” State Police said in a release. “Troopers will continue to conduct enforcement patrols throughout the state on both highways and secondary roads.

“In addition, sobriety checkpoints will be set up in an effort to deter anyone from the consumption of alcohol and driving as we approach and celebrate the New Year. If anyone sees a suspected drunk driver, or dangerous driver, please call 911 and immediately report it.”

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