The Stratford Police Department along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, announced an anti-texting enforcement project, as part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” campaign.
This effort by state and local police will enforce Connecticut’s law that prohibits motorists from texting and / or using hand-held cell phones while driving, according to Stratford Police Lt. Curtis Eller.
The crackdown runs from Sept. 3 through Wednesday, Sept. 24. Enforcement will be ongoing, according to Lt. Frank Eannotti.
This enforcement mobilization marks the first time the State has utilized dedicated federal funds meant to curb the unsafe driving behavior of texting while driving. Law enforcement patrols will target motorists who choose to ignore Connecticut’s hand-held mobile phone ban. 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.
“We want you to know, if you choose to engage in this potentially deadly behavior there will be consequences in the form of a substantial fine,” said Eller in a press release.
The State, through the Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office was the only one in the nation to receive $2.3 million in federal Distracted Driving prevention funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Connecticut’s strong laws and policies aimed at keeping driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel made the State eligible for this funding source, according to police.
Stratford received grant funding to carry out this enforcement mobilization.
For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit www.distraction.gov.
