Driving While Texting, Distracted Driving Fines Now Up To $625

WOODBRIDGE, CT — The fines are steep. And for good reason, police say. Distracted driving is among the leading cause of vehicle crashes across the country. And in Connecticut in 202o, with perhaps even less vehicles on the road for at least part of the year, some 5,000 crashes were attributed to distracted driving.

Woodbridge police are taking the statewide initiative to combat distracted driving very seriously. Starting Friday and lasting through the end of the month of October, Woodbridge cops will be on the lookout for distracted drivers, most of whom are distracted by their phones.

Texting and driving are the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, and since the first of the month, the fines increased significantly.

• $200 for 1st violation, offenders are fined (was previously $150)
• $375 for a 2nd violation, offenders are fine (was previously $300)
• $625 for a 3rd or subsequent violation, offenders are fined $ (was formerly $500)

At any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady for more than a decade, police noted in a news release announcing the enforcement initiative. And, Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.

The Woodbridge Police Department suggest the following safety tips:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be your "designated texter." Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone's "Do Not Disturb" feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

For more information, visit www.distraction.gov