Connecticut State Police Prepare for Labor Day Weekend & School Openings:

With Increased Traffic Volume Expected, Enforcement Efforts to Continue as School Bells Ring. Labor Day travel volume is typically heavy and the 2014 Labor Day weekend will be no exception. Connecticut State Police remind motorists to expect heavy traffic, exercise caution, and allow extra time to reach their destination. It is estimated that the number of people traveling by automobile for the holiday period will increase in New England compared to last year.

Connecticut State Troopers will be concentrating on enforcement of drunken driving, speeding, safety belt, and distracted driving laws during the entire Labor Day Weekend. Troopers will utilize both traditional and nontraditional patrol vehicles on patrol searching for reckless and intoxicated drivers. Troopers will man sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols to intercept drunk drivers. State Police Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia said, “As always, our Troopers will enhance safety of all roads and highways of Connecticut. We will be on alert for violators while we make every effort to protect all motorists and their passengers.”

Enforcement efforts by the State Police will continue into the fall as more than half-a-million children return to school across Connecticut. With many children typically walking or riding the bus to school, State Police remind ALL drivers to be especially vigilant watching for pedestrians during before- and after-school hours. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for walking children – over the last decade nationally, nearly onethird

of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m. Troopers ask all motorists to slow down in school zones. It is also important – and it’s the law – for all motorists to stop for school busses displaying flashing red lights. The fine in Connecticut for passing a standing school bus is $465.

The State Police ask that all citizens be our eyes and ears all across the state over the Labor Day holiday. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911, as that is a true emergency!!!

DUI SPOT CHECKS AND TARGETED ENFORCMENT AREAS:

08/29/14 Roving patrols: Interstate 95 between exits 5 and 44

08/31/14 Roving patrols: Interstate 95 between exits 20 and 56