CT State Police Announce DUI Checkpoints for Fourth of July Weekend

By ERIN QUINLAN (Patch Staff)

Connecticut State Police troopers are ready to patrol in increased numbers to keep roads and highways safe for all travelers during the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend.

Traffic will be on the rise during the long weekend, as many people will be driving through and around the state of Connecticut for cookouts, beach outings, and fireworks. State Police will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) starting at midnight July 3 and running through 11:59 p.m. July 5.

Troopers will work to enhance safety and enforce laws across the state. Laser speed measuring units will be utilized to enforce speed on highways and secondary roads. Troopers will be strategically placed to reduce speeds on the highways and roadways during the holiday period.

In addition, Connecticut State troopers will operate sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations in Connecticut. Sites for concentrated enforcement operations will be chosen where troopers experience a high number of alcohol-involved crashes and incidents.

As a reminder, starting on July 1, all Connecticut residents who have their license suspended after being charged with operating under the influence will be required to install a breathalyzer on the ignition of their car. The breathalyzer, known as an ignition interlock device (IID), requires the driver to blow a breath sample into a tube in order for their car to start.

During July 4th 2014 weekend, Connecticut State Police issued the following number of summons: 1,559 for speeding, 42 for DUI, and 297 seatbelt arrests. State police investigated 312 motor vehicle crashes, 47 with injury, but no fatal crashes. Troopers also issued 3,841 tickets for other hazardous moving violations.

Sobriety checkpoints:

Troop A

Thursday: Roving Patrols – Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas on Interstate 84 and Routes 7 and 8 within Troop A patrol areas

Friday: Roving Patrols - Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas on Interstate 84 and Routes 7 and 8 within Troop A patrol areas

Saturday: Roving Patrols - Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas on Interstate 84 and Routes 7 and 8 within Troop A patrol areas

Sunday: Roving Patrols - Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas on Interstate 84 and Routes 7 and 8 within Troop A patrol areas

Monday: Roving Patrols - Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas on Interstate 84 and Routes 7 and 8 within Troop A patrol areas.