Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Police Department began the 2018 campaign against distracted driving earlier this week. The campaign will run until April 30 and then from Aug. 1 to 15. The campaign is made possible with a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office and is part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” campaign. This effort will enforce Connecticut’s law that prohibits motorists using hand held cellular phones or mobile electronic devices while driving, police said in a press release. Read more from the West Hartford Police Department below:

The grant funds patrols that are dedicated to the enforcement of distracted driving laws. There will be up to eight extra officers per day patrolling in both marked and unmarked vehicles.

The enforcement details will be deployed around the main thoroughfares in West Hartford including Park Road, New Britain Avenue, Farmington Avenue, North Main Street, and Albany Avenue. Our details will also be deployed around school zones, construction zones, and neighborhoods where officers observe any distracted driving.

West Hartford’s 2017 patrols resulted in more than 1,000 motor vehicle infractions being issued for distracted driving violations.

Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve fines ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for subsequent violations.

“Our goal is to save lives by changing people’s behavior and deterring this dangerous habit,” said Officer Nick Sachetti of the West Hartford Police Traffic Division.

“This enforcement campaign has a noticeable impact on distracted driving,” Captain Jeff Rose said. “We can see the use of handheld cellphones decrease throughout the month.”

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