Roving patrols, DUI checkpoints set up for holidays

State Police said the only cocktail you should be mixing before you hit the roadways during the holiday season is that of sensible driving and careful planning.

AAA said this year will be the busiest Christmas/ New Year’s travel week on record, with most people traveling by car.

“State troopers ask motorists to follow all driving laws, as their behavior on the roads is essential to keep potential hazards at a distance,” state police said. “Simply putting traffic laws into practice will prevent accidents and save lives.”

Started Friday and continuing through New Year’s, state police have roving patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the state.

“Troopers will enforce all motor vehicle laws and focus on reducing the number of DUIs, crashes and injury-producing accidents occurring on the interstates, state roads and local roadways,” state police said.

Patrol, checkpoint locations

Troop D, based in Danielson, will have additional troopers conducting roving patrols and DUI enforcement on all highways and roadways which began Friday and will continue through Tuesday and on Dec. 29.

Troop E in Montville will have troopers conducting patrols on Interstate 395 from exits 9 to 19, Interstate 395 at the Gold Star Bridge and from Exit 83 to Exit 84, Route 164 in the Griswold and Preston areas and Route 2 in the North Stonington area. These patrols began Thursday and will run through Tuesday.

Westbrook Troop F had troopers conducting DUI/ sobriety checkpoints on Route 1 — Boston Post Road — on Friday.

Litchfield’s Troop L will have troopers conducting patrols on Route 8 between Exit 37 in Watertown and Exit 42 in Harwinton, routes 6 and 64 in Woodbury, routes 202 and 254 in Litchfield, routes 7 and 341 in Kent, routes 63 and 109 in Morris, routes 45 and 47 in Washington, routes 61 and 132 in Bethlehem, Route 4 in Burlington/ Harwinton and Route 72 in Harwinton. These patrols

began Friday and will run to Dec. 26.

Safe driving pointers

State police ask drivers to obey the speed limits, travel at a safe distance from the car in front of them, wear seatbelts and make sure passengers are properly belted in; always signal when turning or changing lanes and when taking an exit.

Keep everyone on the road safe by putting the phone down and out of sight while driving. Never drink alcohol or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Troopers ask residents to remember the state’s Move Over Law as they get out on the roadways. The law asks drivers to move over — when it is safe to do so — at least one lane whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are in a lane.

“Please give them room to do their job efficiently and safely,” state police said.

In case of winter weather, drivers should keep winter blankets, water and snacks in the car. In case the weather hits while drivers already are out and about, motorists should keep a shovel and sand or salt in their trunk to help them out in a pinch.

State police said drivers should always have a fully charged cellphone, a full tank of gas at the start of the journey, appropriate tire pressure and plenty of windshield wiper fluid.