Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted driving laws and remind drivers: “Put the Phone Away or Pay”. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, due to data collection limitations, we know that these are underestimations.
Like many other law enforcement agencies throughout the state, the Fairfield Police Department has received grant funding to offset the costs of their enforcement efforts. “Throughout April, the department will be putting out extra patrol officers and conducting specific enforcement details looking for distracted drivers. In addition, officers will be giving drivers and members of the public informative handouts concerning the dangers of distracted driving.
Violating New Jersey’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. A first offense can range from $200 to $400; a second offense is $400 to $600; a third or subsequent offense can range from $600 to $800.
Please help our community to stay safe by putting the phone away when you are driving.