Connecticut State Police Enforcing 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Through Labor Day

Connecticut State Troopers are cracking down on drunk or impaired drivers this month as they participate in the national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign. The enforcement period runs through September 1, 2014,

Troopers see increased travel and alcohol consumption during the Labor Day weekend, resulting in increased accidents, serious injuries and fatalities. The goal of the Connecticut State Police’s participation in this program is to maximize DWI enforcement efforts to ensure safety on the highways and decreased injuries and deaths.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year. In 2012, one person was killed every 51 minutes in an alcohol-related motor vehicle accident.

Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and more Connecticut State Troopers on major highways during this campaign. During this time, State Troopers will also be doing seatbelt checks, watching for distracted drivers and looking out for drivers who are violating the “Move Over Law.”

Originally implemented in Connecticut in 2009, the “Move Over Law” was established to protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service vehicle operators and other maintenance workers who are stopped on roadways while performing their work. On all roads and highways, drivers must slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle that display red and/or white emergency lights. On highways with multiple lanes, drivers must move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays flashing lights.