Sen. Tony Hwang Working to Raise Awareness of CT’s Distracted Driving Laws

September 6, 2016

Noting that motor vehicles fatalities in Connecticut increased 45 percent during the first six months of 2016, Sen. Tony Hwang is working to raise awareness of Connecticut’s distracted driving laws.

“That 45 percent increase in fatalities is shocking and should serve as a wake-up call to everyone who gets behind the wheel,” Sen. Hwang said. “Especially now that school is back in session, we need to make sure that people of all ages are aware of the law. We can prevent senseless tragedies, but we’ve got to talk about the dangers. We’ve got to spread the word that texting while driving – and distracted driving in all its forms – is a recipe for disaster.”

Sen. Hwang will be organizing future community forums to discuss the issue and ways to prevent distracted driving.

Under Connecticut law:

  • No person shall text message or use a hand-held phone while driving.
  • Drivers under 18 are subject to a complete ban on cell phone and mobile electronic device use.
  • Drivers are prohibited from engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the vehicle’s safe operation.
  • School bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving except in emergencies
  • Each distracted driving or use of cell phone while driving ticket comes with DMV points (2 points per ticket) and fines:
  1. $150 for a first offense
  2. $300 for a second offense
  3. $500 for a third or subsequent offense
  4. A doubled penalty in a construction/work zone
  5. It can also result in an increase in insurance.

Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at [email protected] .

On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com .

(Listen) Raising awareness about distracted driving can prevent senseless tragedies. Sen. Hwang updates WICC AM 600’s Mike Bellamy.
http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2016/09/listen-raising-awareness-about-distracted-driving-can-prevent-senseless-tragedies-sen-hwang-updates-wicc-am-600s-mike-bellamy/#.V87RxYKV_L8