With Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies, is urging people to celebrate responsibly and prioritize road safety.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and it should be remembered for honoring our heroes, not for preventable tragedies. This Memorial Day let’s take care of each other and make smart choices that save lives,” stated Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. He emphasized that “Connecticut law enforcement will participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign throughout the holiday weekend to deter impaired driving and help ensure everyone gets home safely. If you are driving under the influence, you will be pulled over.”
In 2023, 113 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes in Connecticut, representing 37% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Nationwide statistics from NHTSA indicate that about 34 individuals die daily due to drunk-driving incidents—equating to one person every 42 minutes. In total, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents across the United States last year.
Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police, noted: “As summer approaches, state troopers are ready for increased traffic and a rise in crashes. Our focus is on removing impaired drivers from the roads to prevent crashes and save lives. We urge the public to help by choosing a sober driver, using rideshare if consuming alcohol or cannabis, and calling 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.”
Chief Joshua Bernegger of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) added: “As Memorial Day weekend approaches, law enforcement across Connecticut will increase patrols focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers. Please celebrate responsibly. If you plan to drink, use a designated driver, rideshare or public transportation. Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
The CTDOT advises everyone to contribute to road safety during this holiday weekend by adhering to several guidelines:
– Never drive if you’ve been drinking; impairment starts with just one drink.
– Plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging for alternative transportation like taxis or rideshares.
– Look out for others by ensuring friends or family do not drive if they’re impaired.
– Be vigilant; report any erratic driving behavior by calling 911.
For more information on preventing impaired driving incidents visit nhtsa.gov.
