Distracted Driving Crackdown Begins In Wilton As Crashes Persist Statewide: Police

WILTON, CT — Police in Wilton will increase enforcement of distracted driving laws throughout April as part of a statewide campaign, officials said.

The effort, part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, will focus on identifying drivers using handheld devices, texting or engaging in other unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, according to the Wilton Police Department.

The campaign runs from April 1 through April 30 and is part of the national “Put the Phone Away or Pay” initiative in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

State data underscores the scale of the issue.

From 2021 to 2025, there were more than 26,000 crashes involving a distracted driver in Connecticut, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. More than 7,800 of those crashes resulted in injuries, and nearly 50 were fatal.

Nationwide, 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Officials say cellphone use remains the most common form of distraction. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds — the equivalent of traveling the length of a football field at highway speeds.

“Driving requires your full attention every second you’re on the road,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said in a statement. “Even a brief distraction… can lead to devastating consequences.”

AAA Northeast is also highlighting the risks during April, noting that many drivers continue to engage in distracted behaviors despite recognizing the danger.

According to AAA research, respondents reported that in the 30 days prior to being surveyed:

• 37 percent of drivers reported reading a text or email
• 36 percent said they talked on a handheld cellphone
• 28 percent reported typing or sending a message
• 11 percent said they scrolled through social media

“Distracted driving continues to impact the lives of far too many people,” said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast.

Police and safety officials are urging drivers to avoid distractions by putting phones out of reach, using “do not disturb” settings or pulling over to a safe location if they need to use a device.