Keeping Connecticut Safe: CTDOT Highlights Dangers of Holiday Impaired Driving

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding motorists that celebrations and impaired driving are a dangerous and often deadly combination. As holiday travel ramps up, CTDOT is partnering with state and local law enforcement to launch an expanded impaired-driving enforcement effort running now through January 1, 2026.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in the United States, especially during the holiday season. In Connecticut in 2023, the most recent year with verified data, 113 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.

"Too many lives are lost to impaired driving, especially during a time meant for joy and togetherness," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We urge drivers to make responsible choices. If you plan to drink, plan a sober ride. Connecticut's law enforcement community will be out in force to identify and stop impaired drivers before tragedies occur."

NHTSA data also show that alcohol impairment is significantly more common at night. In 2023, the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was three times higher at night than during the day. Drivers ages 21-34 made up the largest percentage of impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.

"We ask all drivers to be our partners in safety: if you plan to drink, please designate a driver or use a rideshare," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "Our Troopers will be on the roads to protect motorists from highway hazards, but we cannot do this alone; we need everyone's cooperation to ensure safe holiday travel. If you see a hazardous or suspected impaired driver, this is a true emergency and should be reported by calling 911."

"Connecticut's police officers are committed to keeping our roadways safe this holiday season. Extra patrols are being deployed across the state to detect and apprehend intoxicated drivers," said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "You can avoid these patrols by using a designated sober driver if you have been drinking. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving."

To help prevent impaired-driving crashes, CTDOT urges residents to:

• Plan ahead and line up a sober ride before celebrating.
• Use rideshares, taxis, or transit if you've been drinking.
• Step in to prevent friends or family from driving impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe ride.
• Report dangerous drivers immediately by calling 911.

Driving under the influence of any substance, whether alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs, is illegal and dangerous. This includes substances that impair judgment and reaction time, even in states where cannabis laws have changed.

For more information on the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign and tips for staying safe, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.