In Connecticut, 2012 accident data shows that distracted driving was a contributing factor for drivers in fatal accidents in 3.6 percent of crashes. The most common factors were speed, alcohol, drugs and medication.
Connecticut law states that it is illegal to use a hand held cell phone whilst driving and is also illegal to text even when the vehicle is stationary.
The police have been cracking down on drivers and one in 77 drivers in Connecticut in 2013 was given a ticket for a cell phone offence. In total 32,000 tickets were issued which delivered more than $2 million in fines to the state.
The fines are currently $150 for a first offense and $500 for multiple offenses.
However, the level of the fines is not preventing people using their phones, as according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, over 600,000 drivers across the country are using their cell phones at any point during the day.
Aaron Swanson, of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. said that driving using a cell phone has been a consistent factor resulting in crashes, injuries and fatalities. It is across all age groups and demographics although it does tend to be higher among female drivers than male. It seems that the public has yet to be fully convinced of the dangers involved with distracted driving.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed as a result of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the pain, suffering, and debilitating injuries which resulted from your accident. Contact the Stamford pedestrian accident attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 244-5480 – or Click here for a free case evaluation.
