State Police Have Stepped Up Safety Campaign For The Holidays

The Connecticut State Police have launched the 2006 holiday enforcement program in an attempt to save lives and prevent injury as the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season returns. Operation SANTA (Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident) is the major holiday accident and injury prevention message from the Connecticut State Police.

This Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) involves state police departments across the United States. The focus of the enforcement is on the most frequent causes of accident fatalities: drivers who drive under the influence, who speed, and who fail to wear seatbelts.

Enhanced DUI enforcement will increase over the entire holiday season. Traditionally at this time of year many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place. Many of these parties include the consumption of alcohol. Many partygoers will neglect to remember that mixing alcohol with driving any motor vehicle is unwise, dangerous, and illegal.

The Connecticut State Police have scheduled DUI spot checks and enhanced enforcement operations on the roads and highways of Connecticut.

“Our Connecticut State Troopers are trying to save lives and keep our roads and highways safe. Remember mixing alcohol with driving a car is a dangerous combination and illegal in our state,” said Public Safety Commissioner Leonard Boyle.

“No one looks forward to spending time in a jail, a hospital, or something worse over the holidays. Connecticut State Troopers will do everything to keep drunk drivers off the roads. The public is asked to join our effort; if you are planning to consume alcohol at a festive event, make plans in advance for a sober driver to bring you home. If you spot a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report it to the police, this is a true emergency,” continued the commissioner.

Seat belt enforcement is an important part of Operation SANTA.