A number of new motor vehicle laws have just gone into effect in Connecticut. Several of the changes are designed to curb the use of cell phones while driving on state roads. Drivers distracted while using their cell phones is an ever-increasing cause of car accidents in Connecticut and around the country. Other law changes are intended to make highway work zones safer.
Here are just a few of the changes that took effect this week (October 1)[1]:
- One point will go on the driver's license record of anyone person convicted of distracted driving. Fines also will be increased.
- For commercial driver’s license holders, the definition of “serious violation” will now include talking on a cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle and can lead to disqualification of the license. (Hands-free devices are permitted. Texting is already prohibited).
- DMV will change its policy so that two points are assessed on the driving record for convictions of violations of highway work zone safety laws. Fines also will be increased.
- Drivers convicted of going in excess of 75 mph in a work zone and commercial drivers convicted of exceeding 65 mph will be required to attend the operator retraining program. Fines will also be increased.
In addition to these changes, Governor Malloy signed legislation this past summer that expands the ban on cell phone use to include using a cell phone while operating a car or truck when only temporarily stopped, such as waiting in an intersection or at a red stoplight.
Connecticut law already prohibits drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or mobile device while the vehicle is moving. Drivers over 18 are required by law to have a hands-free device in order to use a cell phone or mobile technology. Drivers 16 and 17 years old are prohibited entirely from using a hands-free device as well as a cell or similar-type device — at any time while operating a motor vehicle.
While many believe these new laws will prove helpful in reducing the number of car accidents on our roads, others believe the ultimate solution will come from improved auto and truck safety technology – increasingly smart vehicles.
If you or a loved one are ever in a car accident in Connecticut, it is important to gather all the information you can and then call a qualified Connecticut car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
RisCassi & Davis has handled thousands of car accident cases in Connecticut over our more than 65 years serving the people of this state. Our car accident lawyers have received significant local and national recognition for our handling of injury cases including:
- Four RisCassi and Davis attorneys in the last five years have been honored by being named Best Lawyers – Hartford Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year”
- Top listing by Martindale-Hubbell as a “New England Top Rated AV Preeminent® Law Firm, and much more… (for more on our honors and awards, click here).
If you would like a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, please contact us today. There is no obligation of any kind.