Connecticut State Police Launch 'Operation SANTA'

The following information was contained in a news release from the Connecticut State Police.

The Connecticut State Police today launched the 2011 Holiday enforcement program in an attempt to save lives and prevent injury as the Christmas/New Year's holiday season approaches.

Operation S.A.N.T.A. S-top A-nother N-eedless T-ragic A-ccident is the major holiday accident and injury prevention message from the Connecticut State Police.

This combined accident reduction effort (C.A.R.E.) involves all State Police Departments across the U.S. The focus of this enforcement will be on the drivers' behavior that most frequently causes accidents. Enforcement will also attempt to rid the roads and highways of drivers who will drive under the influence, speed, and fail to wear seatbelts.

DUI enforcement will increase dramatically during this holiday season. Traditionally at this time of year many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place. Many of these parties MAY include the consumption of alcohol. Some partygoers will not designate a non-drinking driver and will neglect to remember that mixing alcohol with driving any motor vehicle is unwise, dangerous, and illegal. State Police Troopers have scheduled DUI sobriety checkpoints and enhanced DUI enforcement operations on the roads and highways all across Connecticut. (SEE ATTACHED LOCATIONS).

Emergency Services & Public Protection Commissioner Reuben Bradford said, “Our State Troopers are trying to save lives and keep all of our roads and highways safe. Remember, mixing alcohol with driving a any vehicle is a dangerous combination for everyone, and illegal in our State”.

No one looks forward to spending time in a jail cell, a hospital, or something worse during the holidays. Connecticut State Troopers will be out in force to try to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Troopers are asking the public to join our effort; if you are planning to consume alcohol at a festive event, make plans in advance for a no- drinking driver to bring you home. If you spot a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report it to the police, this is a true emergency.

Distracted driving, cell phone use, and seat belt enforcement will be an important part of “OPERATION SANTA.” People talking on cell phones, not wearing seatbelts, and exceeding the posted speed limit cause crashes. Help the Connecticut State Police keep all roads and highways safe.

Due to snow, 2010 Operation Santa was canceled and therefore no statistics are available.