State Police Will Have DUI Checkpoints and Other Programs in Place for Labor Day Weekend

A schedule of DUI checkpoints has been released by the Connecticut State Police.

Submitted by Connecticut State Police

Over 35 million drivers are expected to travel across the United States this upcoming Labor Day Weekend, with the vast majority of them traveling by car. Connecticut State Troopers want to remind motorists to expect heavy traffic, exercise caution, allow extra time to reach their destination, don’t talk or text and drive while using a handheld mobile device, and set GPS destinations prior to traveling.

“As summer winds down, we all want to go out and experience the last few warm days of the season with family and friends – but we also must ensure that we do so safely,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “Labor Day is one of the busiest weekends of the year on our roads, and we must remind all drivers to use caution, act responsibly, and consider the safety of yourself and others so that we can all enjoy a safe, smooth trip to one of Connecticut’s great destinations this weekend.”

Connecticut State Troopers will be concentrating their enforcement efforts on drunk driving, speeding, seatbelt violations, and distracted driving during the entire Labor Day Weekend. These dangerous driving behaviors claim the lives of our citizens every year. Troopers will utilize both traditional and nontraditional patrol vehicles on the roads searching for reckless and intoxicated drivers. Troopers will man sobriety checkpoints, increase roving patrols and utilize the State Police Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit (BAT Mobile).

“Throughout the Labor Day weekend, you can count on additional Troopers to be on patrol on state roadways, ready to respond to motorists in need and to address those drivers who may pose a hazard to others,” said Dora B. Schriro, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “State Troopers will do everything possible to make this the safest and most enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone.”

Enforcement efforts by Connecticut State Troopers will continue into the fall as more than half-a-million children continue to return to school across Connecticut. With many children typically walking or riding the bus to school. Troopers remind ALL drivers to be especially vigilant watching for pedestrians during the before- and after-school hours. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for walking children – over the last decade nationally, nearly one-third of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.

Under Connecticut state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus. Failure to obey this law not only puts our children at great risk, but it carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated start at $465 for a first offense.

State Police Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia said, “You can expect to see additional Troopers throughout the state in order to increase safety on Connecticut’s roadways. Our goal for this weekend is to protect the traveling public and prevent crashes that can turn holiday fun into tragedy. We’re committed to providing the high level of service people expect from the Connecticut State Police not just this Labor Day Weekend, but year round.”

A final reminder to all drivers: anyone who is consumes alcohol should never get behind the wheel; establish a designated driver before your holiday weekend activities begin. There are no second chances for first time offenders. An Ignition Interlock Device can be installed on your vehicle if you are arrested for DWI and your driver’s license is suspended.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, or hazardous driver, call 911 as this is a true emergency.

The schedule of DUI patrols is provided in the PDF below.