Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday

CTDOT Press Releases

07/03/2024

Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday

CTDOT and State and Local police issue a reminder: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies this July Fourth weekend in an effort to combat impaired driving. Increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints will be in place throughout the holiday weekend. These efforts are part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at reducing impaired driving and saving lives.

The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired driving crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period. Forty percent of those fatalities involved a drunk driver. Of those who died in drunk driving crashes, 27% were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .15 g/dL - almost twice the legal limit in almost every state.

In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 127 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the state.

"The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and safety should always come first," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Impaired driving puts everyone at risk. We urge all Connecticut residents to make responsible choices this holiday. If you plan to drink, please plan for a safe ride home. By making safety a priority, we can ensure this holiday is memorable for all the right reasons."

"State Troopers urge all motor vehicle operators to practice lawful driving skills when traveling on Connecticut roads and highways. We know that this will be a very busy long holiday weekend for many people, so we ask residents to be prepared for traffic delays," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "In particular, we remind all drivers that the Move Over law requires motorists approaching stationary vehicles to slow to a speed below the posted speed limit immediately and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stopped vehicle, to move over one lane if possible. To ensure safety for all, please be aware of first responders and others who may be pulled over to the side of the road."

"July 4th is a uniquely American pastime where we come together with family and friends to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. Connecticut's police officers remind you to designate a sober driver during celebration activities," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. "Extra police patrols will be deployed across the State to seek out and arrest impaired drivers to keep our roadways safe."

The Connecticut Department of Transportation recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Never drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive. Designate a sober driver to get home safely.
• Utilize rideshare programs or public transit. Plan ahead and have the apps on your phone and transit schedules readily available.
• Report drunk drivers to local law enforcement by calling 911.
• Prevent friends from driving drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.

For more information, visit nhtsa.gov.

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