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Connecticut State Police Increase Patrols For Labor Day Weekend

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Connecticut State Police are reminding motorists before the Labor Day weekend to expect heavy traffic, exercise caution, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. 

"Labor Day travel volume is typically heavy, and the 2014 Labor Day weekend will be no exception," Lt. Paul Vance said in a statement. "It is estimated the number of people traveling by automobile for the holiday period will increase in New England compared to last year."

Connecticut state troopers will concentrate on enforcement of drunken driving, speeding, safety belt, and distracted driving laws during the entire Labor Day weekend, Vance said. 

Troopers will use both traditional and nontraditional patrol vehicles on patrol searching for reckless and intoxicated drivers. Troopers also will man sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols to intercept drunken drivers. 

“As always, our troopers will enhance safety of all roads and highways of Connecticut," State Police Col. Brian F. Meraviglia said. "We will be on alert for violators while we make every effort to protect all motorists and their passengers.”

Last year for Labor Day weekend, Connecticut State Police handed out: 

  • 1,513 speeding violations
  • 237 seat belt violations
  • 3,513 other violations (hazardous moving, cellphone usage, etc.)
  • 50 arrests for driving under the influence

These are the statistics for motor vehicle accidents that occurred over Labor Day weekend 2013 in Connecticut:

  • 259 total accidents
  • 44 with injury
  • 3 fatalities 

Also, the end of summer means the start of school. Enforcement efforts by the State Police will continue into the fall as more than a half million children return to school across Connecticut, the statement said.

With many children typically walking or riding buses to school, State Police remind all drivers to be especially vigilant watching for pedestrians during before- and after-school hours. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for walking children – over the last decade nationally, nearly a third of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Troopers ask all motorists to slow down in school zones. It is also important – and it’s the law – for all motorists to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights.

The fine in Connecticut for passing a standing school bus is $465.

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