Fairfield PD Steps Up Patrols To Combat Distracted Driving

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Police Department is urging motorists not to use their cell phones while driving, and the department is increasing patrols in town to emphasize the point.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, there were more than 5,600 crashes in Connecticut that were attributed to distracted driving. Of those crashes, nine people were killed, and more than 850 people were injured.

That same year nationally, there were 3,522 people killed in distracted driving crashes, and an estimated 362,415 were injured.

"As a community, we cannot ignore the dangers of texting and driving. It's not just illegal; it's a matter of life and death," said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras in a statement. "Beginning April 1, our officers will be vigilant in enforcing distracted driving laws. We urge all motorists to prioritize safety and refrain from using handheld mobile devices while driving."

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said drivers must always pay attention on the roads.

"We urge all drivers to prioritize safety by keeping their focus on the road and not on their phones," Eucalitto said. "Every moment behind the wheel demands our full attention. This enforcement effort aims to remind everyone that distracted driving is illegal, dangerous, and deadly. Let's work together to make Connecticut's roads safer for everyone."

Motorists who receive a citation for distracted driving in Connecticut can expect a fine of at least $200 on the first offense, $375 for a second offense, and $625 for a third and all subsequent offenses, according to Fairfield police.

Added Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, "Safety can't wait, but a text message can. Always pull over to a safe location, off of the highway, before sending a text message, using a GPS device, or having a complex conversation on the phone or with a passenger. Everyone's safety relies upon it."

The Connecticut Department of Transportation reminds motorists of the following safety tips:

• When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away. Texting and driving is not safe behavior.
• If you struggle to ignore your phone notifications, activate the "Do Not Disturb" feature or put your silenced device in your vehicle's trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive safely at your destination.
• 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.
• Give control of your phone to your passenger. Let them respond to calls or messages.
• Never engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Even when hands-free, do not stream or watch movies or videos.
• If you see someone texting while driving, speak up. Tell them to stop what they are doing because it is dangerous. If someone catches you texting while driving and tells you to put your phone away, put it down.
• Remember, when you get behind the wheel, Put the Phone Away or Pay.