Beginning today and continuing through April 14, motorists will see heightened traffic enforcement as the MPD Traffic Division will take part in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY. Distracted Driving awareness enforcement event. MPD courtesy image

The Maui News

To address distracted driving, and reduce avoidable crashes and driving fatalities, the Maui Police Department Traffic Division will be enforcing a zero-tolerance campaign against distracted driving, including cell phone use. 

 Beginning today and continuing through April 14, motorists will see heightened traffic enforcement as the MPD Traffic Division will take part in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY. Distracted Driving awareness enforcement event. 

 Motorists can also expect saturation patrols, which will include the use of unmarked patrol vehicles, where there is a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement to address distracted driving, such as cell phone use, while driving.

  To date, the Maui Police Department has issued 306 citations for distracted driving compared to 553 citations issued this same time last year. In 2022, MPD issued a total of 2,320 distracted driving citations.

 “We need our community to understand it is up to them to make the decision to put their phone down and buckle up while driving,” a news release said. “Please help put an end to senseless and preventable crashes that have occurred on our roadways due to distracted driving.”