The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign and public awareness initiative in recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. CTDOT kicked off the campaign at the Hartford Police Department.
Law enforcement agencies will ramp up their distracted driving enforcement efforts in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign from April 1 through April 30, 2026. During this period, officers across Connecticut will focus on identifying and citing drivers who engage in unsafe behaviors such as texting, using electronic handheld devices, or otherwise diverting their attention from the road.
Alongside enforcement efforts, CTDOT will continue its public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging drivers to remain focused every time they get behind the wheel.
Distracted driving remains a serious safety issue on roads across the country and in Connecticut. In 2023, national data from NHTSA shows 3,275 were killed in distracted driving crashes. In Connecticut in 2023, there were 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving – resulting in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries.
“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.”
“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,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “When you, the motoring public, partner with us in safety, travel is safer across all of Connecticut.”
“Police departments across Connecticut will be actively enforcing distracted driving laws throughout April,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Reducing distracted driving is a shared responsibility, and we urge drivers to put their phones down and stay focused so everyone can travel safely.”
Six Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving:
CTDOT encourages motorists to make safe driving a habit by eliminating distractions before and during every trip:
- Pull over safely if you need to text or make a call. Never handle your phone while driving.
- Ask a passenger to help manage navigation or messages so you can focus on the road.
- Avoid checking social media while driving. No message or post is worth risking a crash.
- Limit interaction with in-vehicle technology. Program navigation or music before starting your trip.
- Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature or silence notifications to reduce the temptation to check your device.
Remember a text or a call is not worth your life, it can wait.
For more information about distracted driving prevention and safety resources, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.