Fairfield Police Combat Distracted Driving

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Police Department is recognizing April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and highlighting its efforts to improve roadway safety in the community.

The department also announced that Fairfield has been selected to represent the State of Connecticut at the national kickoff event for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Washington, D.C., hosted by the United States Department of Transportation. Police Chief Michael Paris will represent the state and discuss the town’s work to reduce crashes and promote safer driving habits.

Fairfield police officials say enforcement and public education are key components of the department’s strategy to address unsafe driving. In 2024, the department ranked third in Connecticut in overall traffic enforcement activity, conducting more than 12,000 traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. The stops resulted in a mix of verbal warnings, written warnings and infractions.

Much of that work is conducted by the department’s Traffic Safety Unit, which includes four officers assigned specifically to traffic enforcement. The unit responds to community complaints about traffic conditions and targets enforcement efforts using several tools, including online reporting, laser and radar speed enforcement, and hotspot mapping to identify areas with higher rates of violations or crashes.

The department also participates in the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance, a group of representatives from several town departments that works to improve roadway safety through education and collaboration. The initiative supports the town’s Mission Zero goal of reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths.

Police officials say enforcement activity increased between 2022 and 2024 while motor vehicle crashes declined over the same period. Preliminary observations suggest the trend continued in 2025, with more than 13,000 traffic stops recorded and nearly 300 fewer crashes than in 2024. Statewide crash statistics for 2025 have not yet been released.

— Table from Fairfield Police Department

“Being selected to represent Connecticut on a national stage is a reflection of the hard work our officers put in every day," Chief Paris said in a statement. "Our goal is not just enforcement, but changing behavior. By staying visible, engaging with the community, and addressing distracted driving, we are working to make our roads safer for everyone."

According to police, distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes nationwide. The department is urging motorists to avoid using mobile devices and other distractions while driving and to remain focused on the road.

Fairfield police said enforcement and education efforts will continue throughout April and beyond.