Over the course of both 2017 campaigns, more than 1,000 distracted driving infractions were issued by West Hartford Police.

By Ronni Newton

A total of 338 infractions were issued in the second phase of the West Hartford Police Department’s 2017 Distracted Driving High Visibility Enforcement campaign, Capt. Jeff Rose reported Thursday.

The two-week August campaign ran from Aug. 2-16. Combined with the month-long campaign in April 2017, which netted 715 infractions, a total of 1,053 infractions were issued to motorists this year by West Hartford Police during the department’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office’s “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” campaign.

A total of 1,080 infractions were issued during the course of the two 2016 campaigns.

“I hope our efforts have promoted a higher awareness of distracted driving laws in Connecticut,” Off. Pete Parlos of the Traffic Division said in an email.

Traffic Off. Nick Sachetti added, “I have noticed a greater percentage of compliance among drivers. I believe the enforcement campaign has made a positive influence on roadway safety.”

The primary goal of the campaign is not to hand out tickets, but to promote safe driving behavior. Rose said that with the new school year set to begin on Aug. 30, 2017, road safety takes on even greater importance.

Rose said that even though the campaign is over, the West Hartford Police Department will continue to encourage safe driving habits by enforcing distracted driving and seatbelt laws, as well as laws regarding speeding and other moving offenses. Extra patrols will be added around the schools as students return to classes.

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