In 2014, 3,149 people were killed and 431,000 were injured during motor vehicle accidents that involved distracted drivers.

This past April, the Connecticut DOT conducted the "U Text.U Drive. U Pay" initiative to cut down the amount of texting while driving incidences and to bring awareness to the community on just how easy it is to be distracted while driving. The initiative resulted in the distribution of over 12,000 citations. After April's crack down, the Conn DOT and the Danbury and Brookfield Police Departments saw an eight percent drop in mobile phone use by drivers.

With the positive momentum of the first "U Text. U Drive. U Pay", both the Brookfield and Danbury Police Departments have announced a continuation of the initiative. It will take place August 3 through August 16.

In a press release, Brookfield Police Chief Robin L. Montgomery said:

Considering the seriousness of this problem and the fact that we saw movement in the right direction is a sign that we need to continue this program.

Unfortunately, the fear of getting a ticket is the only incentive for people to change their behavior.

Tickets range up to $150 for a first offense, all the way to $500 for frequent offenders.

 

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