MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — As Christmas approaches, many across the state of Connecticut are taking to the roads to travel for the holidays.
State police are preparing for increased highway enforcement and shared several tips as travelers head out in the final days of 2021.
The safest way to travel this holiday week is to ditch distractions while driving and planning your trip, troopers said.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead before heading to a party, gathering or retail destination, and follow traffic laws to prevent collisions and injuries.
“We know that during a Connecticut winter, weather conditions can change at any time. We ask all drivers to please note any weather precautions prior to leaving for your destination. As always, your top priority should be the safety of yourself, your family and others on the road,” Col. Stavros Mellekas, of CT State Police said.
He added that troopers will be focusing on distracted driving and those who may be operating under the influence.
Here are some additional tips:
- Drive the speed limit.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
- Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
- Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
- Refrain from texting or using your phone.
- Never consume alcoholic beverages, marijuana products or drugs, including medications that could impact driving, before you get behind the wheel.
- Immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit or move over one lane (when safe to do so) whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane in compliance with the state’s “Move Over” law.
- Fill the gas tank prior to your journey.
- Fully charge your cell phone prior to leaving home.
- Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks.
- Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving home.
- Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.
Residents are also reminded of a deal being offered until the new year.
The CTDOT's Office of Highway Safety is teaming up with Uber to provide a $10 discount code for residents. It can be used on Friday and Saturday nights for the rest of the year, which will be Dec. 24-25, and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
The code, CTRIDESAFE, will only work on those days from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. . It can only be used once per account and while funds for the program last.
DUI Checkpoints to note:
Colchester (Troop K), Dec. 26 – DUI checkpoint on Route 16, between Cabin Road and Kmick Lane
Southbury/Oxford (Troop A), Dec. 27 – DUI checkpoint at the Southbury-Oxford town line
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