Crime & Safety

Speeding, Hazardous Moving Violations Spike Over Holiday

Police say they saw higher than expected traffic volume during the Christmas holiday enforcement campaign called "Operation SANTA."


With higher than normal traffic volume and Connecticut State Police enforcing motor vehicle laws in full force during the Christmas holiday, hundreds of violations were issued over the past few days.

Of the 364 accidents reported between midnight on Dec. 23 and 10 p.m. on Dec. 26 — for a campaign state police called Operation SANTA — three crashes were fatal. A total of four people were killed in those crashes, police said.

Other stats include:

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  • 29 DUI arrests
  • 451 speeding tickets
  • 17 seatbelt violations
  • 857 hazardous moving violations (follow too close, distracted driving, etc.)

"Troopers observed a higher than normal traffic volume over the Christmas holiday," Lt. J. Paul Vance said.

"This state police enforcement effort will continue as we approach the New Year's Eve celebration. Troopers will conduct enforcement patrols throughout the state on both highways and secondary roads," he said. "In addition, sobriety checkpoints will also be set up in an effort to deter anyone from the consumption of alcohol and driving as we approach and celebrate the New Year's holiday."

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