For Immdediate Release                                                                                                                      

July 7, 2008

Contact:    Pamela D. Hayes (860) 586-7506

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association [CPCA] represents every municipal police department in Connecticut. The over 7,000 police officers in CPCA agencies all contributed to traffic enforcement efforts over the 2008 July 4th Weekend, July 3 – July 6, intending to keep motorists safe and roadways clear.

Although being stopped by the police can be a somewhat traumatic experience, every officer is trying to reduce accidents, decrease speed and deter driving while drinking.

CPCA President Chief Matthew A. Reimondo, East Hampton Police Department says “The summer months and the July 4th holiday weekend are upon us.  This means that many families will travel the highways of Connecticut going to and from family events, vacation getaways, and other places of interest.  There will also undoubtedly be a variety of precious cargo traveling our highways including children, pets, loved ones, and valuable property.

Each year thousands of lives are lost on the nation’s highways.  As a result, the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association is encouraging all motorists to be especially diligent in exercising the safest driving practices possible.  A concerted effort by motorists and law enforcement agencies can significantly reduce the tragedies and horrific death and injury statistics that accompany them. 

The CPCA’s affiliated law enforcement agencies will be making great efforts to ensure the safety of our motoring public.  This will be achieved by putting more officers on the street and encouraging them to take enforcement action when appropriate.  Your responsibility is to observe traffic laws including speed limits and seat-belt requirements, and be courteous to your fellow motorists.  Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for motorcyclists. These simple steps will increase everyone’s safety and allow you to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones.”

Please work with us in this very important effort.  Together we can strive for highways in our state that are free of accidents and fatalities.

To this end, 71% of CPCA member police departments reported the following total activity:

Motor Vehicle Stops                      3577

DUI Arrests                                     107

Accidents                                        709

Fatalities                                            4