Talking and driving? Go hands-free or pay up – maybe?

Talking On a Cell Phone in a Car without also using a Hands-free device

Connecticut’s cell phone prohibition law, making it a ticketable moving violation to drive a car while talking on a cell phone without also using a hands-free accessory. Connecticut General Statute Section 14-296aa. entitled: “Use of hand-held mobile telephones and mobile electronic devices by motor vehicle operators and school bus drivers, prohibited or restricted, when. Penalties,” governs the use of telephones in automobiles.

Driving down the road every day, whether heading to court, home or on an errand I can’t help but see all of the people on the road using their cell phones in clear violation of this statute. The funny part about it is that some of these drivers enjoy the speakerphone option of their new high tech phone, of course while holding it in their hand. I have not heard about a major crackdown or let alone enforcement of this law but that does not mean it cant or wont occur if you are pulled over for some other motor vehicle violation or other cause. Specifically, the law states: “(2) "Using" or "use" means holding a hand-held mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of, the user's ear.”

On most days it’s hard not to notice a police officer, bus driver or other emergency type vehicle driving past you while attached to their cell phone. Are we going to enforce this or just let it go by the wayside? I am not privy to the studies that I am sure having been conducted linking use of a cell phone to increased accident or the like. What is the point of this law if the ones used to enforce it also decide to violate its terms? I have often thought to take my digital camera with me to document these types of acts because I am certain this type of behavior would be denied by the offending officer, bus driver, Emergency technician or just general driver.

On that same note should we ban those individual reading a newspaper or book while driving? Is putting on makeup been banned yet? I have not heard of this specific law yet but is that something else our state should consider as not appropriate to conduct while driving? Have there been studies linking listening to you radio or CD’s in your car to increased number of accidents?

I think it is wise to have this law in effect but a little enforcement would be nice. I know that at depositions or at trial for personal injury cases these are the types of issues raised to discredit the injured parties in an attempt to reallocate blame their way. Watch who you talk to while you drive especially without a handsfree device.