Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In Hamden

Hamden CT

15 October, 2021

10:31 PM

Description

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Police Department, in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, will be participating in the "PHONE IN ONE HAND...TICKET IN THE OTHER HAND" distracted driving campaign from Oct. 15 through Oct. 31. The campaign is both an educational initiative and enforcement effort to keep distracted drivers off the road, according to police. "Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation's roads," police wrote in a news release. "In Connecticut in 2020, there were nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving, according to the DOT. "Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory. The Hamden Police Department reminds motorists to stay off the phone when getting behind the wheel. If it is necessary to talk on the phone or text, park your vehicle in a safe location first." Fines for distracted driving have increased in Connecticut, as of Oct. 1. The fine for a first offense is $200. Fines increase to $375 for a second offense, and the fine increases to $625 for anyone who violated the law for a third time, police said.