Over the past couple of decades, mobile phones have become a mainstay for most people in the Connecticut and around the United States. This phenomenon has brought more attention to the topic of distracted driving. Cell phone use while behind the wheel has taken center stage as the virtual definition of distracted driving.
While the use of phones for calls or texting can lead to distraction among drivers, it is not the only thing that can constitute distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association indicates that distractions can come in many forms. A cognitive distraction is anything that prevents you from concentrating completely on driving. A manual distraction is anything that removes your hands from the steering wheel or gear shifter. A visual distraction is anything that results in your eyes being anywhere but on the road.
Tuning a radio, focusing in some way on an infant or child in the car, or even having conversations with passengers can all distract you from the act of driving. With an estimated 1,300 daily injuries attributed to distracted drivers, this is a serious problem indeed. In the State of Connecticut, drivers are banned from any handheld use of a phone when operating vehicles. Drivers 17 and younger are banned from any use of a phone at all, including hands-free use. These are just some of the ways that Connecticut is working to reduce the risk of serious accidents and keep you and your loved ones safer.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about distracted driving in Connecticut.
