Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office will be partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15 for the second wave of the “U Drive-U Text-U Pay,” high-visibility enforcement campaign. The campaign is both an educational initiative and enforcement effort to keep distracted drivers off the road, according to police.

“The Hamden Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation urge motorists to stay off of the phone when getting behind the wheel,” Capt. Ronald Smith said. “If it’s necessary to talk on the phone or text, park your motor vehicle in a safe location first.”

Fines in Connecticut for violations begin at $150 for a first offense, increase to $300 for a second offense, and are $500 for subsequent violations.