The Connecticut State Police is taking part in a statewide program with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office and local police departments to continue a crackdown on motor vehicle operators who choose to text or talk on a hand-held mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.
State Troopers are once again participating in the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” Campaign, this time from August 3-16, 2015. Troopers previously conducted increased enforcement during the April campaign.
The DOT reports an eight percent drop in mobile phone use by drivers during the April crackdown.
Nearly 16,000 citations were issued to those motorists who ignored Connecticut’s laws prohibiting distracted driving. That figure is four times as many citations in one month than any other month in which a specialized enforcement campaign did not occur.
Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines ranging from $150 for a first offense, to $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.
“The choice is up to each driver on Connecticut’s roads. You might choose to engage in potentially deadly behavior by using your phone. There will be consequences in the form of a substantial fine, a motor vehicle accident or both,” said State Police Colonel Brian Meraviglia. “Your CT State Troopers hope that you will choose safety first and ditch the distractions while driving.”
“As always, our top priority is public safety. We will ticket those motorists who disobey Connecticut laws, but we also hope to save lives by changing the dangerous habits of motorists,” noted Colonel Meraviglia.
TFC Kelly Grant
Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office
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