Canton PD Declares War On Distracted Drivers

CANTON, CT — Next month is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Canton Police Department said Tuesday they don't want any "April Fools" on the roadways.

As a result, the CPD said it is actively participating in the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay" enforcement campaign.

Officers will be out "in full force" looking for drivers on their phones while navigating Canton's streets.

"For the past decade, distracted driving has taken our roadways by storm, endangering not only distracted drivers but their passengers, pedestrians, and others using the road. When behind the wheel, operators should be focused on one task: safe driving," wrote the CPD.

"Parents are also encouraged to discuss with their teen drivers the subject of developing safe driving habits, including the practice of never sending or reading text messages or engaging in social media scrolling while driving."

If you're caught by a cop, be prepared to pay, the CPD said.

Fines for a first offense are $200; $375 for a second offense; and $625 for third and subsequent violations.

Police say folks should pull over if they have to text or call someone and they need to "put their phone down when they get behind the wheel."