Fairfield Police Department Recognizes April as Distracted Driving
Awareness Month Fairfield, CT — The Fairfield Police Department is proud to recognize April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and reaffirm its commitment to improving roadway safety throughout the community.
In recognition of the department’s ongoing efforts, Fairfield has been selected to represent the State of Connecticut at the national Distracted Driving Awareness Month kickoff event in Washington, DC, hosted by the United States Department of Transportation. Chief Michael Paris will represent the state and highlight Fairfield’s progress in reducing crashes and promoting safer driving habits.
Through proactive enforcement and community education, Fairfield Police officers continue to work diligently to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and prevent crashes. In 2024, the Fairfield Police Department ranked third in the State of Connecticut in overall traffic enforcement activity with well over 12,000 traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. This enforcement includes a combination of verbal warnings, written warnings, and infractions, reflecting the department’s strong and consistent presence on Fairfield roadways.
A significant portion of this work is carried out by the Fairfield Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit. The department has four officers dedicated specifically to traffic enforcement throughout the town, allowing for a focused and strategic approach to roadway safety. These officers actively respond to community concerns and complaints regarding problem areas and traffic conditions. The unit utilizes both traditional and technology driven methods to guide enforcement efforts, including online reporting, laser and radar enforcement, and hotspot mapping to identify areas where enforcement will be most effective.
The Fairfield Police Department is also an active member of the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance, a working group made up of representatives from multiple town departments dedicated to improving roadway safety through public education and collaboration. This partnership supports the town’s goal of Mission Zero, reducing traffic related injuries and fatalities through a coordinated, community wide approach.
These efforts are making a measurable impact. From 2022 through 2024, the Fairfield Police Department saw an increase in traffic enforcement alongside a decrease in motor vehicle crashes, demonstrating the effectiveness of a balanced approach focused on both enforcement and education. It should be noted that while official statewide data for 2025 has not yet been released, this trend has continued based on preliminary observations with over 13,000 traffic stops and almost 300 less crashes compared to 2024.
“Being selected to represent Connecticut on a national stage is a reflection of the hard work our officers put in every day,” said Chief Michael Paris. “Our goal is not just enforcement, but changing behavior. By staying visible, engaging with the community, and addressing distracted driving, we are working to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes nationwide. The Fairfield Police Department reminds all motorists to stay focused behind the wheel by avoiding the use of mobile devices, limiting other distractions, and keeping their attention on the road at all times. The Fairfield Police Department will continue its enforcement and education efforts throughout the month of April and beyond to help ensure the safety of all who travel in and through Fairfield