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Connecticut Lawmakers Revisit The Penalties For Texting While Driving

Connecticut lawmakers are considering enhancing the penalties drivers in the state face if they are caught texting behind the wheel.

Currently in Connecticut, it is illegal for drivers of all ages to text and drive, states Distraction.gov. However, according to CBS Connecticut, lawmakers in the state are in the process of revisiting whether or not heftier fines need to be applied to this law so that drivers will stop participating in this form of distracted driving. Recently, lawmakers heard testimonies on several different bills that would enhance the texting and driving penalties in the state. One of these examined bills would add $100 to each existing fine while another would create penalties similar to those that exist for drinking and driving.

Drivers continue to text and drive

Although texting and driving is illegal in Connecticut and many drivers realize that this activity is dangerous, a large number of drivers continue to text behind the wheel anyway. According to a recent survey released by AT&T, 98 percent of the participants who own a cellphone and text regularly reported that they knew texting and driving was hazardous. However, three-quarters of these participants admitted that they still text and drive.

There were many different reasons cited by the drivers as to why they continue to text and drive. These included some of the following:

  • Approximately 43 percent of the drivers said that they want to remain connected to their friends, family members and co-workers.
  • More than a quarter of the drivers said that they believe that when they text behind the wheel, their driving performance is not affected.
  • Twenty-eight percent of the participants said that they worry that they will miss something important if they do not check their phone right away.
  • More than a quarter of the participants said that they think others expect them to reply to their text messages soon after they are sent.

Additionally, six percent of the drivers reported that they are addicted to texting while 17 percent said that they experience a sense of satisfaction when they receive a text and respond to it.

Many are injured or killed every day

Drivers who fail to obey the law or discount the fact that texting while driving is a dangerous activity often cause injurious or fatal motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, accidents involving driver distraction result in over 1,000 injuries and more than nine fatalities.

Those in Connecticut who survive a distracted driving-related collision may incur injuries that require extensive and expensive medical treatment. If you were involved in an accident caused by an inattentive driver, consult with an attorney to determine what legal steps you should take next.

Keywords: texting, distracted, driving, accident