From Bill Kaempffer, public safety spokesman:
The Bridgeport Police Department, along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, today announced the kick-off of an Anti-Texting Enforcement Project, as part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign. This effort by state and local police will enforce Connecticut’s tough law that prohibits motorists from texting and/or using hand-held cell phones while driving. The crackdown will run from Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 through Wednesday, Sept. 24.
This enforcement mobilization marks the first time the State has utilized dedicated federal funds meant to curb this unsafe driving behavior. Law enforcement patrols will target motorists who choose to ignore Connecticut’s hand-held mobile phone ban. Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines, ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.“This is solely about keeping our kids and families safe,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Distracted driving is a recipe for tragedy, and it only takes a second or two with your eyes off the road for it to happen. This is especially important now that school is back in session.”
The State, through the Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office was the only one in the nation to receive $2.3 million in federal Distracted Driving prevention funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Connecticut’s strong laws and policies aimed at keeping drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel made the State eligible for this funding source.
“Our goal will not only be to ticket motorists who disobey Connecticut Statute–we also hope to save lives by changing people’s behavior and deterring this all-too-common activity” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr.
Some things to consider:
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get in a serious crash, and, even more alarming than that;
• Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. Driving at 55-mph, this is the equivalent of traveling the length of an entire football field; blind.
While the focused enforcement mobilization will end on the 24th, many law enforcement agencies have indicated that enforcing Connecticut’s tough hand held mobile phone ban remains a priority.
For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit .
Hey Bill K, where are the cops going to come from to enforce these laws? Do you plan to take the cops off their SVU’s at Seaside? Will you be using other do-nothing cops or are you going to put more pressure on the street cops who are already overworked?
Finch’s campaign staff (on the city payroll) is not missing an opportunity to make a statement to enhance his image. Missing is the usual “I’m a dad …” statement.
Tom–felt totally bereft when Finch forgot to mention his children but then again he also forgot “Don’t ask what your country can do for you …”. They’re my absolute favorites. Hope he doesn’t scrap them altogether.
Cops are always driving and on their cellphones.