Two Fatal Accidents Among State Police Calls Christmas Weekend

The Connecticut State Police released holiday enforcement and accident statistics from Dec. 23 through midnight on Dec. 26.

The total number of motor vehicle accidents was 260, 36 had injuries and two had fatalities.

Thirty-six drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated, 502 were stopped for speeding and 43 people were cited for seat belt violations. There were 815 other hazardous moving arrests, which include things such as unsafe lane changes, cell phone violations and following too close.

"Over the Christmas and New Year Holiday there will be additional Connecticut State Troopers who will be assigned to patrol Connecticut’s highways and roadways over this Christmas holiday," Lt. J. Paul Vance said in a press release. "These troopers are only a part of the team effort that will try to keep our highways and roadways safe. We need the help of all of our citizens to keep our highways safe and reduce the total number of motor vehicle accidents in our State.

"The use of seat belts by all occupants of every vehicle still needs the constant attention by everyone. It is very important for all occupants to be seat belted at all times. This can help reduce injury-causing accidents."

State police will amp up patrols through New Years. Check its website for sobriety checkpoints and patrol information.