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CT DOT, NHTSA and East Hartford Police Remind Drivers

Fines Increased. U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
Posted on: October 14, 2021 - 1:20pm
distracted driving

East Hartford, CT — East Hartford Police will join law enforcement agencies nationwide during the month of October to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving. This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort.

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. At any given moment across America, Approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving – a number that has held steady for more than a decade.  In Connecticut in 2020, there were nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.

“Texting, messaging, and other forms of distracted driving are habits that put everyone at risk,” said East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom.  “We want drivers to focus on the most important task: hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Throughout October, there will be greater effort to cut down on distracted driving.  Police will be increasing enforcement of the distracted driving law – which now carries a much heftier fine for offenders.  As of October 1, fines begin at $200 for a first offense (was previously $150), increase to $375 for a second offense (was previously $300), and are $625 for subsequent violations (was formally $500).

Drive Safe Every Trip

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and East Hartford Police urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe place first.  No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life.

Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

For more information, visit www.distraction.gov.