The Connecticut Department of Transportation says drunk driving is a problem every day, but will be even more prevalent during the upcoming holiday weekend.
In hopes of stemming the amount of impaired drivers, state and local law enforcement are taking part in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 11,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020.
State police are stressing the importance of celebrating responsibly on New Year’s Eve, underscoring to never get behind the wheel after drinking and to designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service.
There will be DUI checkpoints across the state, where State Police’s Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit and Traffic Services Unit troopers will be on hand. Under state law, driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher is illegal.
Impaired drivers could face jail time, lose their driver's license and car and pay thousands of dollars in fines, higher insurance rates, attorney fees and more.
But other violations will be top of mind as well, like speeding, driving without a seatbelt or distracted driving.
The campaign runs through New Year’s Day.