For Immdediate Release                                                                                                                      

July 6, 2010

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 July 4th Holiday Weekend, July 2nd – July 5th , 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 Lisa Maruzo-Bolduc, Willimantic Police Department wishes to convoy the following holiday message regarding safety:  “The July 4th weekend is the first official weekend of the summer.  It is a time of celebration with family and friends, many of which will travel by automobile to their destinations.

According to Traffic Fatality Data from the U. S. Department of Transportation, Independence Day ranks third in the most dangerous holiday travel time.  Connecticut law enforcement agencies affiliated with the CPCA will be stepping up efforts to enforce all traffic safety laws, to include speeding, use of cell phones, seatbelts and driving while impaired/intoxicated.

We want Connecticut residents and those who visit our state to enjoy time with family and friends without tragedy on our streets and highways”.

To this end, 68 % of CPCA member police departments reported the following total activity:

Motor Vehicle Stops                      3856

DUI Arrests                                       74

Accidents                                         732

Fatalities                                              0