Conn. officers ramp up the enforcement of distracted driving laws

Law enforcement agencies across the state are boosting their enforcement of distracted driving laws this month, joining statewide and national efforts to reduce traffic crashes — and deaths — stemming from driving while using a device.

The New Haven Police Department launched a “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign on Friday, joining law enforcement in multiple towns including Westport, Hamden and Wallingford in raising awareness around the dangers of distracted driving.

The campaign is part of a broader statewide effort through the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, which is running the enforcement campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Westport Police said in a release it would step up efforts to apprehend distracted drivers this month. Connecticut law states that drivers cannot use any hand-held mobile device while operating a vehicle. Fines range from $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for third and subsequent offenses.

In Norwalk, police officers have cited at least 86 motorists for using a phone while driving since the start of the monthlong campaign, according to city records.

Distracted driving caused nearly 5,000 crashes in 2020, according to statewide statistics.

Between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died nationally in crashes involving a distracted driver.

State officials say the rate of distracted driving in Connecticut has spiked— last August saw the highest rate of drivers texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone since March 2015

“It has become all too common to see people driving while looking at their phones,” Joseph Giulietti, state DOT commissioner, said in a release. “People know that texting and driving is extremely dangerous and illegal, but they continue to do it anyway. These habits are putting motorists and passengers, pedestrians, bikers, and all road users at risk. Every driver in Connecticut has a responsibility to drive safe.”

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo A team of city traffic officers cite distracted drivers as part of a national U Drive, U Text, U Pay, high-visibility enforcement effort on Washington Boulevard in Stamford on April 16, 2019. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is being observed in April.