By Ken Valenti

WESTPORT–You did it, Westport! You broke last year’s record of 871 traffic stops citing distracted drivers.

Unfortunately, this means there are a lot of drivers out there talking and texting and still not getting the message: Get off your phone behind the wheel.

Westport police made 908 distracted driving stops in April – Distracted Driving Awareness Month – which was more than the 871 stopped in the same month last year, said Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso, the department spokesman.

Cell phone use was the largest cause of the distractions.

“These numbers are very much on par with what we have seen in previous years, which is especially concerning when you consider the number of advancements that have been made to modern vehicle technology aimed at accommodating hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, etc. as well as the addition of do not disturb features to cell phone software,” Prezioso said.

Of those stops, police issued 359 citations and 12 motorists were arrested because they were wanted on other charges, Prezioso said. The other 537 were given verbal or written warnings, he said.

A first infraction for distracted driving in Connecticut carries a $200 fine. That jumps to $375 for second offense and $625 for the one after that.

This is the time of year when distracted driving accidents increase statewide, said Lauren Fabrizzi, a spokeswoman for AAA Northeast. Last year, July and August were the worst months for distracted driving-related crashes in Connecticut with 532 and 512 respectively. Those numbers were up from the low of 281 in February.

 “As the weather warms up, it’s especially critical for drivers to stay alert with more pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycle riders sharing the road,” she said.

It’s not that the dangers are unknown. In the latest AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index, nearly all participants surveyed said they were aware of the dangers, yet many still had used their handheld devices while driving. Specifically:

• 37% read a text or email
• 36% talked on a cellphone while holding it
• 28% typed or sent a text or email
• 11% scrolled social media 

Even if the awareness month is over, Westport police are on the lookout for distracted drivers year-round, Presioso said.

“The message is very simple,” he said. “When behind the wheel, please make the road ahead your singular focus.”

AAA offers the following safety tips:

• Avoid texting, emailing or scrolling through social media while driving. Put your cellphone on do not disturb or place it in the glove box, back seat or trunk of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.  
• Pull over and park in a safe location if you need to send a text immediately. 
• Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages during the drive.  
• Avoid other forms of distraction while driving, including eating, drinking and putting on makeup. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road at all times.   

Call out your driver if they’re texting or otherwise distracted. Remind them it’s unsafe and encourage them to focus on the road.  

Ken Valenti

^{_{A career journalist and lifelong resident of the New York City region, Ken Valenti has enjoyed decades of reporting local, regional and national news in New York and Connecticut. Topics of special interest are development, the environment, Long Island Sound and transportation. When not reporting, he’s always on the lookout for the perfect coffee shop or used book sale.}}