Memorial Day weekend accidents decline

The Connecticut State Police participated in two enforcement campaigns over the Memorial Day weekend to reduce and eliminate traffic accidents on state roads. Looking for drivers impaired by alcohol, not wearing their seat belts and speeding, troopers across Connecticut issued more than 2,600 tickets between Friday and Monday and responded to more than 250 accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities (in Trumbull and Preston).

Compared to past years, the 2009 Memorial Day weekend resulted in fewer traffic stops across Connecticut, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The state recognized a drop in fatalities with the fewest motor vehicle accident-related deaths during the holiday weekend since 2004. Speeding tickets were almost half of the number reported in 2004 as well, with 1,056 — down from 2,085. DWI arrests were also down 26 percent from 2004, with 64 arrests reported statewide this year.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Public Safety on Friday, May 22, the state police participated in the National C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program during the holiday weekend. The program focuses on enforcement of DUI and seat belt laws.

Connecticut state troopers also kicked off their annual “Click it or Ticket� campaign over the weekend, with a goal to “rid the roads of aggressive and impaired drivers.� Trooper One, the state police helicopter, was used throughout the weekend, as were motorized patrols to monitor traffic.

“In the past, we have seen several tragedies involving youths and motor vehicles. These accidents remind us to pause and reflect on how important good driving skills and the actions of drivers can be,� said Department of Public Safety Commissioner John A. Danaher III in a press release.

In the Northwest Corner, Troop B in North Canaan increased its efforts, dispatching “roving patrols� along state roadways, including routes 44, 318, 272, 202 and 183, from North Canaan to New Hartford to Hartland throughout the weekend.

As the summer season continues motorists are reminded if they see a suspected drunk driver, to call 911. 

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