Kennedy: Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns

HARTFORD—At a press conference, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy, Ranking Member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, highlighted a statewide distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign announced by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

From April 1 through April 30, law enforcement agencies across Connecticut will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, increasing enforcement efforts to identify drivers who are texting, using handheld electronic devices, or otherwise driving while distracted.

Distracted driving continues to be a significant safety concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving crashes in 2023. In Connecticut, there were 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving that year, resulting in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries.

“As Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, I appreciate the continued partnership between CTDOT and our law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and enforce our distracted driving laws,” Kennedy said. “These numbers are a reminder that distracted driving is both dangerous and preventable. Drivers must remain focused behind the wheel to help keep Connecticut’s roads safe.”

The campaign will also include public education efforts encouraging motorists to eliminate distractions before and during trips and to take advantage of tools such as a phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature.

For more information about distracted driving prevention, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.