CT State Police prepare for Thanksgiving holiday enforcement

Connecticut State Police are urging drivers to be cautious and drive safely during the holiday weekend, with increased enforcement planned throughout the state.

During last year’s Thanksgiving holiday enforcement, state troopers responded to seven fatal crashes, up from two fatalities in crashes the year prior. State police responded to 7,181 calls for service in 2020 and 29 driving under the influence arrests. In 2019, state police responded to 7,205 calls for service and recorded 52 DUI arrests.

State police said in a statement Monday that there will be much more traffic on Connecticut roadways in the next week as families and individuals hit the road.

Starting at midnight Wednesday and continuing through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, troopers will supplement their normal routine patrol personnel with additional troopers.

Troopers will patrol roads and highways across the state with a focus on aggressive, unsafe and drunk drivers, state police said.

“As always, we depend on all drivers to remember and obey traffic laws.

Please be our extra set of eyes on the highways and call 911 if you spot an emergency,” said Col. Stavros Mellekas, commanding officer of state police, in a statement. “During this very busy long holiday weekend, please take the time to arrive at your destination safely. Check traffic and weather reports before you leave home and be patient as the roads will be filled with other drivers.”

Troopers will keep an eye on traffic and issue tickets to drivers seen as reckless or distracted during the holiday week. Anyone consuming alcohol is urged to use a designated driver or rideshare option to avoid getting behind the wheel.

State troopers will be on hand at Bradley International

Airport throughout the holiday weekend to help keep those flying safe. The active pick-up and dropoff of passengers will be allowed curbside in front of the terminals, state police said. Authorities said those flying should ensure their flights are on time and at the same terminal before their arrival.