Every year, thousands of people are seriously hurt in car accidents caused by distracted drivers. Connecticut has passed laws to try and make the roads safer by punishing drivers for not paying attention. One of the most common distractions is the use of cell phones by drivers.

Connecticut’s Distracted Driving Laws

It is against the law in Connecticut to do anything while operating a motor vehicle that distracts the driver from his or her duties. This can include anything from a car radio to a cell phone.

Connecticut has passed special laws to deal with the problems of cell phones. Connecticut drivers cannot use a handheld cellphone while driving to talk or to text. For most drivers it is okay to use a hands free device such as a Bluetooth headset.

Novice drivers cannot use a cell phone in any way while driving, except to make an emergency call. This ban includes hands-free devices. Bus drivers are also prohibited from using a cell phone, even with a hands free device, while driving a bus.

Keeping Yourself Safe

Studies have shown that driving takes a lot of mental focus. Cell phones have been shown to reduce a driver’s ability to focus by more than 30 percent. There is some evidence showing that even when using hands free devices, a driver’s focus is still compromised.

Distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents where they are injured.

The best way to keep yourself and your family safe while on the road is to hang up the cell phone. Even if you are allowed to use a hands free device, talking while driving may still be putting you and everyone else on the road at greater risk.

When you are on the road, do not do anything that will take your focus away from the safe operation of your car.

Distracted Driver Liability

It is increasingly common for cell phone records to be examined in car accident cases. If you are involved in an accident and your records indicate you were on the phone at the time of the accident, even if you were on a hands free device, you may be found to be at least partially responsible for the accident.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, consult with a seasoned Westport personal injury lawyer right away. Call Richard H. Raphael, Attorney at Law, at 203-226-6168 to schedule a consultation today. You may only have a short period of time to protect your rights.

Source:

http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/dtransportation_safety/distracted_driving_prevention/distracted_driving_fact_sheet_jenrev__2_.pdf