Westport Police Launch Crackdown on Distracted Drivers

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Department, in association with the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office, has launched a new round of the “U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY.” crackdown on distracted drivers.

The initiative, which runs from Aug. 3 through Aug. 16, is aimed at "motorists who choose to text, talk or otherwise distract themselves from the task of driving by using a hand-held mobile device," stated Westport Police Lt. David Farrell.

According to surveys conducted after last year’s crackdown, there was an 8 percent drop in mobile phone use by drivers at observation locations throughout municipalities where police conducted enforcement. The drop in observed use is encouraging to law enforcement agencies, and demonstrates the need to reinforce to motorists that mobile phone use while driving is both dangerous and illegal.

This month's campaign marks the second time this year law enforcement agencies will mobilize by adding special patrols aimed at catching distracted drivers, especially those on their phones.

The last operation, which occurred in April, resulted in over 12,000 citations issued to motorists who chose to ignore Connecticut’s distracted driving laws.

Nearly 50 law enforcement agencies including both state and local police are again participating in this operation, aimed at keeping Connecticut’s roadways safe.

"We’re making gains," said Farrell in a statement. "Considering the seriousness of this problem and the fact that we saw movement in the right direction is a sign we need to continue to this program."

Farrell continued, “Unfortunately, the fear of a getting a ticket is the main incentive for people to change their behavior. Everyone thinks they can do it, that a crash won’t happen to them. Sadly, we see it every day and it can and does happen."

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

Connecticut remains the only state in the nation to receive special distracted driving prevention funds – the same funds that allow for special patrols to identify, stop and cite drivers who choose to ignore distracted driving laws. Over $6.8 million dollars has been awarded to the state over the last three years specifically – to fund campaigns like this one. Connecticut qualifies for this federal funding source through a mix of tough laws and a proven track record in strong enforcement of distracted driving laws.

"We’re going to keep doing this until people get the message," said Farrell.

For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit www.distraction.gov.