MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — As people get ready to celebrate Fourth of July weekend, Connecticut State Police are increasing their patrols.
"We know that people are probably going to be heading out to the state parks with those opening, instead of going on vacation and traveling to other places might be camping and doing those things around the state so we want to ensure that everybody stays safe," Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema said.
DUI patrols have already started, and will continue until Sunday night.
Jeltema reminds drivers of the following when traveling to destinations:
- Obey the speed limit
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Not to follow other cars too closely
- Be sure to give yourself enough space
- Remove any distractions when driving
- Do not text while driving
- Never drink and drive
Troopers say those are all things that are not only going to keep you and the passengers in your own car safe, but also everyone you're sharing the roads with.
They also want to remind everyone about the state's "Move Over" law and what it means.
"The 'Move Over' law applies to any emergency vehicle with activated flashing lights and this includes law enforcement, fire vehicles, our tow trucks, maintenance vehicles," Jeltema said. "Slow down to below the speed limit and move over if it’s safe to do so," she said.
That also applies if you see someone broken down on the side of the road so you can get around them safely.
With safety a priority, Connecticut State Police say they want you to be able to get to your destination and back home safely.
"We want to make sure that people are getting from one place to another, seeing family and friends they haven’t seen for months, that they get there and get to actually spend time with those people,"Jeltema said.
To protect themselves, and others from COVID-19 while patrolling, troopers here in the state will be wearing masks.
