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The aim is to crack down on motorists who choose to text, talk or otherwise distract themselves by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, said a statement from Stratford Police Capt. Frank Eannotti.
The first leg of the campaign, which took place in April, found that there was a 17 percent drop in mobile phone use by drivers at observation locations where police conducted enforcement. The drop demonstrated the need to reinforce to motorists that using a mobile phone while driving is both dangerous and illegal.
Although encouraging, there is still more work to be done. During the April campaign, nearly 12,000 citations were issued to motorists who ignore Connecticut’s distracted driving laws.
The second run of this two-part campaign will go from Aug. 2 through Aug, 16. The Stratford Police Department, will mobilize by adding special patrols aimed at catching distracted drivers – especially those on their phones.
Over 50 law enforcement agencies, including both state and local police, who were previously involved in the April campaign, are again participating in this operation.
Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines, ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.
In 2015, 3,477 people were killed and an estimated additional 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involved distracted drivers nationally.
Connecticut receives special distracted driving prevention funds – the same funds that allow for= special patrols to identify, stop and cite drivers who choose to ignore distracted driving laws.
Over $6.8 million has been awarded to the state over the last three years specifically to fund campaigns like this one. Connecticut qualifies for this federal funding source through a mix of tough laws and a proven track record in strong enforcement of distracted driving laws.
For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit www.distraction.gov.
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