Constitution State News

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has introduced a comprehensive campaign against distracted driving, set to run through the month of April. This initiative comes in collaboration with both state and local law enforcement as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The effort aims to enhance enforcement of distracted-driving laws and also raise public awareness of the dangers posed by such behavior on the roads.

Data from 2022 underscores the severity of the issue: distracted driving led to 3,308 fatalities and nearly 290,000 injuries nationwide. Specifically in Connecticut, 5,318 crashes were attributed to driver distraction, resulting in eight deaths and over 787 injuries, according to the most recent verifiable data.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto highlighted the importance of road safety, emphasizing that drivers should give their full attention to the road instead of screens. “Every moment you spend behind the wheel requires your full attention. This enforcement and awareness campaign is a clear reminder that distracted driving is both illegal and deadly. Let’s all do our part and commit to making Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone.”

Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police, also urged drivers to remain focused. “One moment of distraction can change everything,” he stated. The message was further reinforced by Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee, who noted, “Connecticut’s police officers are committed to keeping our roads and highways safe for all and will be actively enforcing the state’s distracted driving laws.”

To help reduce instances of distracted driving, CTDOT recommends several precautionary measures: pulling over to send texts, designating a passenger to handle phone calls, avoiding social media usage while driving, and using features like “Do Not Disturb” to minimize distractions.

For additional details on how to prevent distracted driving, the public is encouraged to visit the NHTSA website.