Distracted Driving Enforcement This Month In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation will launch a monthlong campaign beginning Monday aimed at cracking down on distracted driving as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The initiative, branded U Drive. U Text. U Pay., is a high-visibility enforcement effort coordinated in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2022, nearly 5,200 motor vehicle crashes in Connecticut were attributed to distracted driving, according to state data. Nationwide, the issue remains a persistent threat on roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,142 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020, accounting for approximately 8 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.

"Distracted drivers often do not see the risk of their behavior until it’s too late," Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said in a statement. "We are counting on every single driver on our roadways to be a part of the solution by paying attention to avoid putting everyone on the road in danger."

The enforcement campaign will run from April 1 to April 30 and aims to increase compliance with Connecticut’s distracted driving laws. State law prohibits the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using any mobile devices, even with hands-free accessories.

Penalties for violating the law include a $200 fine for a first offense, $375 for a second offense, and $625 for third and subsequent violations.

"Every state trooper has seen the horrible consequences of drivers not paying attention to the road," said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella. "A distracted driver is a menace to others. These accidents can be avoided by simply ditching the distractions."

Authorities recommend that drivers use features such as "Do Not Disturb" mode, place phones in the trunk or glove box, and assign a passenger to handle communications while driving. They also urge motorists to pull over to a safe location, such as a commuter lot or rest area, if it is necessary to send or read a message.

Additional information about distracted driving prevention is available at: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2025/distracted-driving-awareness-month-2025?language=en_US