Orange Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving

Shared and submitted by Town of Orange, Connecticut, Police Department:

ORANGE, CT — From April 2 to April 30, 2019, Orange PD will be out in force looking for distracted drivers as part of the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, a high-visibility effort to enforce distracted-driving laws.

Beginning April 2nd, you will see stepped-up law enforcement efforts. Officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.
Too many drivers are ignoring their responsibilities behind the wheel, and distracted driving is a growing and deadly threat on our roadways. Orange PD is teaming up with the Connecticut Department of Transportation during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) National Distracted Driving Awareness month to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

Violating Connecticut’s distracted driving laws can be costly. Drivers who are ticketed for this violation can be fined $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $500 for third and subsequent offenses. If you need to text, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe place first.

Remind your family and friends to never text and drive:
● Texting and driving is more than just personally risky. When you text and drive, you are a danger to everyone around you.
● In 47 states, texting while driving is an illegal, ticketable offense. You can receive a fine and/or points on your license.
● Don’t follow the pack, be a leader. When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away.
● Speak up. If your friends are texting while driving, tell them to stop. Listen to your passengers; if they catch you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down.