For Immdediate Release                                                                                                                      

September 2 , 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 Labor Day Weekend, Noon - August 29 – Midnight, September 1, 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 “With the close of the summer and the Labor Day holiday weekend, many families traveled the highways of Connecticut going to and from family events, vacation getaways, and other places of interest.  Over the holiday weekend the CPCA’s affiliated law enforcement agencies made great efforts to ensure the safety of our motoring public.  This was achieved by putting more officers on the street and encouraging them to take enforcement action.  Violations for motorists not wearing seatbelts, using cell phone, speeding and following too close, were strictly enforced.  Obeying the laws of the road saves lives.”

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. 

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, 73% of CPCA member police departments reported the following activity:

Motor Vehicle Stops                    4,163

DUI Arrests                                      93

Accidents                                       564

Fatalities                                            2