CTDOT Highlights Dangers of Holiday Impaired Driving

Increased enforcement campaign runs through January 1, 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Keeping Connecticut Safe: CTDOT Highlights Dangers of Holiday Impaired Driving Posted on December 23 , 2025 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 public transportation 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. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Reminds Families to Prioritize Older Driver Safety

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is December 1–5, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Reminds Families to Prioritize Older Driver Safety Posted on December 1 , 2025 During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, December 1–5, 2025, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age. This annual observance highlights the safety and mobility needs of older adults. Between 2014 and 2023, the U.S. population of people 65 and older grew by 28%. In 2023, NHTSA reported 7,810 fatal crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older, accounting for 19% of all fatal traffic crashes nationwide. In Connecticut in 2023, the last year of verifiable data, 51 older adults (65+) were involved in fatal traffic crashes, accounting for 17% of all roadway fatalities. Getting older doesn't mean it's time to stop driving, but it's important to regularly evaluate how you, or your loved ones, drive. "Aging is a natural part of life, and its effects on driving ability can vary from person to person," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "If you've noticed changes in reaction time, nighttime visibility, or physical mobility, it may be time to start a conversation about safety. Having these conversations early helps older adults maintain their independence while staying safe behind the wheel." In Connecticut, state law allows drivers 60 and older to take a crash prevention course and receive a minimum 5% insurance discount. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts. "In addition to having that conversation early on with your loved one to come up with a proactive driving plan and agreement, we also encourage experienced drivers to take advantage of resources like a crash prevention course," said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. "Keeping your driving skills sharp and taking proactive steps will help keep you and those around you safe." CTDOT encourages families and caregivers to work with older adults to create a transportation plan that supports safe mobility. This may include: Scheduling routine vision and hearing appointments. Reviewing medications with a health care provider for possible driving-related side effects. Choosing daytime travel or less complex routes, when possible. Exploring adaptive vehicle equipment. Identifying non-driving transportation options if the need arises. NHTSA provides free resources to help older adults stay safe on the road and offers guidance for families and caregivers supporting a safe environment for everyone, whether driving, walking, or cycling. Learn more at nhtsa.gov. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly