Brookfield, Bethel and other area police departments are participating in another round of a distracted driving crackdown.  The "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." campaign has police on the look out for motorists who text, talk, or distract themselves with a hand-held mobile phone while driving. 

Brookfield Police Captain Pete Frengs says texting and driving is a public safety crisis and enforcement of traffic laws is a critical priority for the department. 

The stepped up and highly visible patrols started yesterday and will continue through the 15th.  During the first wave of the campaign in April, more than 10,000 citations were issued by over 50 law enforcement agencies in Connecticut. 

The special patrols are funded by Connecticut’s special distracted driving prevention funds. Connecticut qualifies for this federal funding source through a mix of tough laws and a proven track record in strong enforcement of distracted driving laws. U

nder Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines, ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.