1 Fatal Accident, Other Fourth of July Weekend Stats Released By State Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT - As residents enjoyed fireworks and outdoor barbecues over the extended Fourth of July weekend, Connecticut State Troopers patrolled highways and roads across the state. Police said this enforcement period started at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 30, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

Troopers were mainly focused during this time on drunken driving violations, aggressive drivers, distracted drivers and speeding. Sobriety checkpoints and targeted DUI patrols were also in place over the entire weekend, according to a release. (To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities click here.)

Police said 60 people were arrested on driving under the influence charges over the Independence Day Weekend, which is 21 more than last year.

Officers also responded to 1,368 instances of speeding, among a total of 2,941 total moving violations. Violations included unsafe lane changes, following too closely and texting while driving.

In 2016, officers responded to 1,227 speeding violations among a total of 2,913 moving violations. Compared to last year, officers responded to 141 more speeding violations and 28 more total moving violations in 2017.

Police said 398 accidents were also investigated during this period, including one fatal. Police said 50 of these incidents involved injuries.

Officers comparatively investigated 315 crashes (45 with injuries) in 2016, two of which resulted in three fatalities.

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