Armed with federal money, Connecticut is cracking down on dangerous driving by launching two driver safety campaigns this week.

Monday kicked off the first phase of the state’s speeding crackdown: speeding on rural roads, where ConnDOT says “most speeding-related automobile deaths occur.” This campaign comes with a pool of money available to local municipalities for increased enforcement, special equipment and training. Transportation Commissioner James Redeker said,“The fact is, when speeding is involved in a fatal crash it is never an accident. We can change this deliberate behavior.”

And today is the first day of the statewide “U Drive. U Text. U Pay,” initiative, during which more than 25 towns and cities across the state will launch individual enforcement campaigns targeting texting drivers. A ConnDOT spokesman said that the state received the grant “because of its strict distracted driving laws and steady enforcement.”

It is great that ConnDOT is championing increased enforcement and education to encourage safer driving, but these measures alone will not make the state’s roads safer. ConnDOT must also increase funds to implement the state’s Complete Streets law. According to ConnDOT’s 2010-2013 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the state only spent 1 percent of its total transportation dollars on walking and biking infrastructure. Connecticut should also adopt the more progressive NACTO roadway guidelines and update its own Highway Design Manual, which is so outdated that it contradicts municipal Complete Streets efforts.