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Connecticut Men More Likely To Use Cellphones While Driving

Women may be known for their gift of gab, but when it comes to using a cellphone while driving in Connecticut, men are more likely to talk their way into a ticket than women. Unfortunately the distraction of using a cellphone while driving also increases the likelihood of being involved in a Connecticut automobile accident.

According to a study conducted by the Associated Press, since the Connecticut distracted driving laws went into effect in 2006, male drivers have received more than 50 percent of the citations.

The study revealed that in 2011, men received approximately 16,000 of the distracted driving tickets issued in Connecticut, while almost 14,000 citations went to women. Similar numbers were reported in 2010.

Connecticut Distracted Driving Laws

Hand-held cellphone use by Connecticut drivers is prohibited. Drivers who are caught breaking the law are fined $125 for the first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense. In addition, drivers under the age of 18 may have their license suspended for using a cellphone while driving on Connecticut roads.

Although the results of the Associated Press study may sound surprising, according to David Snyder of the American Insurance Association, the statistics are actually consistent with the way men drive.

“Statistics show that male drivers are more likely than female drivers to engage in risk-taking behavior and more males than females die in motor vehicle crashes every year,” Snyder told the Associated Press.

Similar findings were also reported on a national level. For example, the Pew Research Center reported that 51 percent of men acknowledge they have sent or read a text messages while driving and 78 percent of male drivers talk on the phone while on the road. By contrast, 42 percent of women admit texting and 72 percent talk on the phone while driving.

Distracted driving is a serious concern no matter the gender of the driver. According to national statistics, 3,092 accident fatalities were attributed to distracted driving in 2010 and 408 of those were caused by cell phone use.

If you were in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can further investigate the cause of the accident and make sure your rights are protected.