Sen. Hwang, Local and State Traffic Law Enforcement Announce Distracted Driving Education, Enforcement & Awareness

August 2, 2020

State Senator Tony Hwang joins the Fairfield Police and CT State Police along with national experts on the dangers of Distracted Driving at their local Headquarters (100 Reef Road Fairfield) on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 8:00am to announce State of Connecticut’s U Drive, U Text, U Pay Distracted Driving Enforcement and Checkpoint Program which will run all month long.

 

In support of August being designated National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Fairfield Police have partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. The “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” enforcement campaign will serve to step up enforcement efforts to catch distracted and texting drivers and enforce distracted-driving laws.

 

“August is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and I am proud to stand with the Fairfield Police Department and CT State Police to bring attention and increased consideration for motorists sharing the road.  Traffic and public safety are paramount and the recent tragic incidents of vehicle-pedestrian accidents heightens the need for increased enforcement and awareness,” said Sen. Hwang.

“Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads,” Fairfield Police Chief Chris Lyddy said. “Passing laws to limit distracted driving is a crucial first step, but drivers must know that these laws will be enforced by police, not only for their protection, but for the protection of other drivers as well.”

 

The Fairfield Police Department and the CT Department of Transportation urge all drivers to put their phones down when they get behind the wheel. If any driver needs to text, it is recommended to pull over and park in a safe place first.

 

Fairfield Police remind drivers of the following:

  • Texting and driving is more than just personally risky. When you text and drive, you are a danger to everyone around you.
  • No one likes to be criticized by a friend for doing something wrong, but it’s even worse to get caught by law enforcement and have to pay a fine.
  • Don’t follow the pack, be a leader. When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away.
  • Speak up. If your friends are texting while driving, tell them to stop. Listen to your passengers; if they catch you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down.

To continue raising awareness during the month-long campaign, Sen. Hwang will also host a “Distracted Driving Awareness AND Pedestrian and Bike Safety LISTENING Town Hall” on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00pm via Facebook Live to allow residents to voice their concerns and share helpful tips on sharing the roads. You can participate in the discussion by registering via www.SenatorHwang.com.

 

Distracted driving has been a longtime concern of Senator Hwang, as an active member of the community and as the ranking senator on the Public Safety committee.