Darien PD Launches 2019 Distracted Driving Enforcement Effort

From Darien PD: Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. The Darien Police Department is encouraging drivers to put down the phone and remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. In support of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, The Darien Police Department will be partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the month of April, for the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort. The goal of the campaign is to step up enforcement efforts to catch distracted drivers and enforce distracted-driving laws.

The Darien Police Department and NHTSA urge you to put your phone down when you get behind the wheel. If you need to text, then pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you’re driving, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:

· 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.

· Designate your passenger as 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 can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.