State police and local law enforcement are out on the roads and stopping drivers caught texting or using hand-held cell phones while driving.
The New Haven Register reports that the crackdown began this week in Danbury and northern Fairfield County and is meant to highlight Connecticut's new law that allows reporting of distracted driving offenses to insurance companies.
The law also increased fines. First offenses now result in a $150 fine. Second offenses will cost you $300 and subsequent tickets will be $500 per offense.
Offenders will also receive at least one point against them on their motor vehicle record.
Federal data show more than 3,000 people were killed and another 380,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2011.
