NORWICH POLICE ANNOUNCE CAMPAIGN THIS MONTH AGAINST DISTRACTED DRIVING

Norwich — Calling distracted driving “a growing and deadly threat on our roadways,” Norwich police have announced in a news release that they will be participating in a campaign this month to enforce laws against distracted driving.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month. The police department will be collaborating with the state Department of Transportation for the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign, which began Monday and will run through the end of the month.

The police and DOT said they are urging drivers to not use their phone while driving. “If you need to text, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe place first,” the news release says.

“Distracted driving is a real problem,” Chief Patrick Daley said in a statement. “During this period, officers will be ticketing anyone who is texting or on their phone while behind the [wheel]. The bottom line is if you text and drive, you will pay.”

Under Connecticut’s distracted driving laws, drivers can be fined $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $500 for third and subsequent offenses, the release states.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that 3,450 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving in 2016.

“We know your phone is your life, but don’t let it cost you or someone else their life,” Daley added.