kids are out of school, crackdown on cell phone usage, eating putting on makeup, etc. Anything that distracts a driver. I\'m sure they\'ll be willing to get you for speeding also, and this is on all streets, not just the highways.
sourceBranford (WTNH) _ When you get in your car this morning and hit the road put down the cell phone or that tube of lipstick. All this week state police will be watching and cracking down on distracted drivers.
Distracted drivers are everywhere. News Channel 8 saw a driver sipping coffee and another on their cell phone while driving in downtown New Haven.
"With all these accidents and innocent people dying and crashes you know, it\'s just irresponsible," said Nicole Simone of New Haven.
Nicole says she is happy to hear about the crackdown and admits that she used to be a distracted driver. "I used to text message while I drove, I\'ll be honest. I know it\'s a no, no. I don\'t do it anymore," she said.
The crackdown has been dubbed Operation Safe Driver and state troopers will be targeting anyone who is driving while distracted. That includes driving with a pet, using a cell phone, self-grooming and eating.
Here in Connecticut, talking on the phone without a hands-free device is against the law and it could cost you up to $100.
Mark Greenwald of Westport says he\'s almost been hit several times by drivers on the phone. He thinks police should be more consistent. "They ought to start fining people, every single one that does it," he said.
Even your children can be distraction.
"A pacifier drops...they want something to eat. You just have to be careful," Nicole said.