WESTPORT — A crackdown on distracted driving — texting or talking on a cellphone while on the road — is being launched by Westport police.

Stepped-up enforcement against violators here is part of a coordinated effort with state and national campaigns from Oct. 15-31. The state Department of Transportation and federal Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are spearheading the crackdown.

Texting while driving, according to a statement from Westport police, “is one of the most dangerous distractions.

“Sending or reading a text takes one’s eyes off the road for five seconds, and at 55 m.p.h., that is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed,” the statement says. The NHTSA also says that “driving a vehicle while texting is six times more dangerous than intoxicated driving.”

In Connecticut last year, there were nearly 5,000 motor vehicle crashes caused by distracted driving., according to the DOT. The NHTSA reported that between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died nationwide in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Under the state’s distracted-driving laws, drivers are prohibited from using any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, allowing for a few exemptions in emergency situations.

Teen drivers, 16 or 17 years old, are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory, under state law.

Fines for distracted driving, which were increased Oct. 1, are: $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.