Connecticut
2025 statistics: Impaired driving increasing in Connecticut
MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — For decades, police have been arresting drunk drivers and measuring their blood alcohol levels.
But in October, the Connecticut Forensic Lab started testing all impaired drivers for drugs, and even the experts were shocked by what they found.
“It’s not simply alcohol combined with one drug combined with alcohol,” Dr. Jessica Gleba, the director of Forensic Lab Operations, said. “We are seeing multiple drugs used together and often combined with alcohol.”
Fentanyl and carfentanyl use are on the rise and the data shows people are combining multiple drugs at an alarming rate.
“The data revealed, in 2025, 14% of cases analyzed had 10 or more drugs present, an increase compared to 2022, when the number was 6%,” Gleba said.
Approximately 50% of cases in 2025 had five or more drugs detected, according to the Connecticut Forensic Lab.
Not only is the state lab finding more and more combinations of drugs in impaired drivers, Connecticut is also seeing more fatal accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Across the country, around 30% of fatal crashes are caused by impaired drivers. Joe Cristalli, Jr., the CTDOT Highway Safety Office director, said Connecticut is well above that.
“The impaired rate is 40% – between 37% and 40% – and we’re one of the highest in the country,” Cristalli said.
It is the season for holiday parties, but it is also cold and flu season, and over the counter medicine can impair your driving, especially combined with alcohol.
The message from law enforcement is clear.
“If you are caught, you will be arrested, you will be presented for prosecution, which means you’re going to have to appear before a judge in the State of Connecticut,” commissioner Ronnell Higgins of the Deptartment of Emergency Services & Public Protection said. “I don’t know how clearer I can be.”
In other words, don’t drink or use drugs and get behind the wheel.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Connecticut Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play in Connecticut can enter the CT Lotto, Millionaire for Life and Cash 5 games as well as play the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. There are also two drawings a day for the Play 3 with Wild Ball and Play 4 with Wild Ball games.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Cash 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
03-10-12-16-22
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 9-7-6, WB: 8
Night: 8-6-0, WB: 7
Check Play3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 6-4-6-7, WB: 4
Night: 8-6-9-1, WB: 1
Check Play4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 19 drawing
32-42-52-53-55, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Connecticut Lottery prizes up to $599 can be easily claimed at any authorized CT Lottery Retailer without additional forms or documentation or by mail. For prizes between $600 and $5,000, winners have the option to claim by mail or in person at any CT Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or CT Lottery Headquarters. For prizes between $5,001 and $49,999, winnings must be claimed in person at the Connecticut Lottery headquarters or by mail. All prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at CT Lottery Headquarters. Winners are required to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security card.
CT Lottery Claims Dept.
15 Sterling Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
For additional details, including locations of High-Tier Claim Centers, visit the Connecticut Lottery’s claim information page.
When are the Connecticut Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 5: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Connecticut editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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