State cops issue 5,600 tickets over holiday

Staff reports

If you got a ticket from the Connecticut State Police this holiday weekend you're not alone.

In fact, state cops gave out more than 5,600 tickets to drivers for illegally using cell phones while driving, tailgating and other moving violations from Wednesday night through Sunday evening. More than 500 people got tickets for failing to wear seat belts.

There were also 1,172 drivers nailed for speeding and an additional 2,634 tickets for other "hazardous moving violations" that include tailgating, unsafe lane changes, passing in the wrong lane and other unsafe driving moves that have become commonplace in Connecticut.

There was one death reported on the state's highways. A motorcyclist was killed and a motorist was hospitalized Sunday after a collision on Route 7 in New Milford, police confirmed.

The accident happened at about 5:10 p.m., according to emergency radio transmissions. Route 7 remained closed between Sunny Valley and Fort Hill roads as of 7:25 p.m.

The identities of the dead man and the injured woman, who was taken to Danbury Hospital, were not available

Across the state, there were 155 accidents, 25 with injuries.

State police also nabbed 63 people for driving under the influence.

Lt. J. Paul Vance said if motorists see a suspected drunk driver, "it is a true emergency, please call 911."

This year's July Fourth crackdown has seen in a slight uptick in the number of tickets issued. Last year, there were 45 DUI arrests and 1,059 speeding tickets issued.