Celebrate Safely This Labor Day: CTDOT and Police Urge Sober Driving

With summer ending soon and Labor Day approaching, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are partnering with state and local law enforcement to highlight the dangers of drunk driving. Motorists will see increased law enforcement presence on Connecticut roadways beginning Friday, August 16 until Monday, September 2, 2024, to take impaired drivers off the roads.

During the 2022 Labor Day holiday, there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide, with 39% involving a drunk driver, according to NHTSA. 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.

"If you plan on drinking alcohol also have a plan for getting home safely. Arrange a designated sober driver, or use public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services. Do not risk your life by driving impaired," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We have a shared responsibility to do our part and keep each other safe. By each of us prioritizing safety, we can prevent needless tragedies on Connecticut roadways."

"State Troopers expect traffic to be heavy over the Labor Day holiday weekend, as summer winds down and residents take to the roads for the shore or gatherings. This is the best time to remind all motor vehicle operators to designate a sober driver if their plans include consuming alcohol or using cannabis," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "We ask Connecticut residents to follow the rules of the road this weekend and whenever they get behind the wheel. Safety should always be the priority."

"Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol has deadly consequences and can result in a felony arrest. Please help keep our roadways safe by always designating a sober driver," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger.

Even one drink can impair driving, reducing visual function, coordination, and the ability to operate a vehicle safely, according to NHTSA. Instead of driving impaired, CTDOT offers these safe alternatives:

• Designate a sober driver. Plan for a sober ride home before you go out. Even if you've had only one alcoholic beverage, don't risk it.
• Use a rideshare program or public transportation. Plan ahead, download the apps, and be aware of the transit schedules in your area.
• Be a good friend. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel impaired, take their keys away and find them a safe way home. They may be mad at you, but they will thank you later.
• Call 911 to report drunk drivers.If someone witnesses a vehicle operating erratically, slow down and keep your distance. Call 911 to report the issue when it is safe to do so.

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.