New law targets distracted drivers in Connecticut

Many New Haven, Connecticut, drivers know that one basic rule of driving is “keeping your eyes on the road.” As technology emerges, however, motorists’ concentration seems to be distracted by other things such as gadgets and smart phones. Such circumstances may not be surprising but the more it happens, the more lives are at stake.

Distracted driving can be a contributing factor in a car accident. Unfortunately, this factor remains a threat to every motorist in the United States, including those in Connecticut. Based on statistics, there were 387,000 people who sustained injuries while 3,331 people died in car collisions related to distracted driving in 2011. As a result, House Bill 6033 was signed into law to impose tougher laws against distracted driving in Connecticut.

According to reports, the law increases the fines for distracted driving. The new law may also cause distracted driving to be considered a moving violation. The violations may appear on the driver’s record and can be used by car insurance companies to calculate the insurance policy rates for the distracted driver.

The new law, which will go into effect in Oct. 2013, comes with a task force that will analyze and evaluate Connecticut’s distracted driving laws and enforcement. The analysis will most likely develop proposals that may prevent distracted driving and car accidents in Connecticut.

Tough distracted driving laws are not surprising because distractions may lead to car accident-related injuries or fatalities. Considering this, a driver must comply with the policies and traffic regulations. Failure to comply may cause negative consequences such as the responsible driver being held liable, particularly if there is a victim involved.

It is unfortunate for car accident victims to be injured or killed due to another driver’s negligence. Fortunately, Connecticut car accident victims injured due to distracted driving in a car collision may be compensated through a personal injury lawsuit. The lawsuit may provide compensation that can cover medical expenses and other accident-related costs.

Source: Fox Business, “Connecticut Gets Tougher on Distracted Drivers,” Penny Gusner, July 26, 2013