Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Police Department is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between April 1 and April 30 for the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" high-visibility enforcement campaign.

“The campaign is both an educational initiative and enforcement effort to keep distracted drivers off the road,” police wrote in a news release. “The Hamden Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation strongly urge motorists to stay off their cell phone when getting behind the wheel. If it’s necessary to talk on the phone or text, please park your motor vehicle in a safe location.”

There were nearly 5,200 crashes attributed to distracted driving in Connecticut in 2022, according to police.

Police said to prevent tragedies due to distracted driving, everyone should:

• Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
• Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk to your teens about responsible driving.
• Speak up when a driver uses an electronic device behind the wheel. Offer to make the call for the driver, so their full attention stays on the road.
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are your best defense against unsafe drivers.
• Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember that you are sharing the road with others who are not in a vehicle. Their lives are your responsibility.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.