The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced on Apr. 1 a statewide enforcement and public awareness campaign targeting distracted driving, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The initiative began at the Hartford Police Department and will run through April.
Law enforcement agencies across Connecticut will increase their efforts to identify and cite drivers engaging in unsafe behaviors such as texting or using handheld devices while driving. This is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which runs from April 1 to April 30, 2026.
The campaign comes amid ongoing concerns about road safety. In 2023, there were more than five thousand crashes involving distracted driving in Connecticut, resulting in twelve fatalities and seventy-eight serious injuries. Nationally, over three thousand people lost their lives due to distracted driving last year.
“Driving requires your full attention every second you’re on the road,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Even a brief distraction, such as checking a notification or sending a quick text, can lead to devastating consequences. This campaign is a reminder that distracted driving is dangerous, illegal, and entirely preventable.”
Colonel Daniel Loughman of the Connecticut State Police said: “Connecticut State Troopers see the devastating and tragic effects of distracted driving on our roads and highways every day. Distracted driving crashes are preventable — I urge all drivers to keep their full attention on the road.” Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger added: “Police departments across Connecticut will be actively enforcing distracted driving laws throughout April…we urge drivers to put their phones down and stay focused so everyone can travel safely.”
According to the official website, CTDOT promotes safety through initiatives like work zone awareness campaigns and supports community infrastructure with grants. The department maintains its headquarters in Newington but manages transportation services statewide according to its official website. Eucalitto serves as commissioner overseeing these policies and initiatives according to CTDOT.
The department provides an intermodal transportation network aimed at improving quality of life and supporting economic vitality according to its official website. It also extends services throughout Connecticut while supporting community connectivity through grant programs for contractors and consultants according to CTDOT.
CTDOT encourages motorists not only during this month but year-round to eliminate distractions before getting behind the wheel by following tips such as pulling over safely if they need to use their phone or asking passengers for help with navigation.
