Bolinsky: Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign Begins this Week
NEWTOWN- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office announced the second wave of the “U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY.” campaign.
“According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving has become the number-two cause of preventable death behind the wheel, only exceeded by operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But, not for long. Distracted driving fatalities are increasing each year and, I believe, may soon be the leading cause of death while driving,” said Rep. Bolinsky.
“I support law enforcement and well publicized events like this because they absolutely save lives. However, I wish it weren’t needed at all. Texting while driving kills and, often, there’s no second chance,” added Rep. Bolinsky. “There’s nothing more valuable in the world than life itself and none of us will ever get or send a text message important enough to possibly take our own, or someone else’s life. It can wait. It must wait. There are people who love you, depending on you arriving safely. How would your one bad choice affect them? It’s your choice. Please, choose wisely.”
Through this initiative, officers will be cracking down on motorists who text, talk, or distract themselves with a hand-held mobile phone while driving. The campaign runs from August 1-15 and is now in its sixth year.
This is the second phase of the campaign with phase one held in April each year.
With the beginning of the distracted driving campaign, the community will see an increased and highly visible law enforcement presence on our roadways as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is texting and driving.
Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. Since 2015, nearly 33,000 crashes in Connecticut have involved a distraction – resulting in 45 fatal crashes.
Fines in Connecticut for violations begin at $150 for a first offense, increase to $300 for a second offense, and are $500 for subsequent violations.
For more information, visit www.distraction.gov