Governor Rell: $200K Grant to

Combat Distracted Driving

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to combat the problem of distracted driving – people who drive while using a cell phone, texting or are otherwise sidetracked while behind the wheel.

            “We pushed to get this money and we certainly will put it to good use,” Governor Rell said. “These funds will help make Connecticut’s roads safer and could potentially save lives. Driving safely requires good skills and concentration at all times. Studies show that people talking on cell phones are four times likelier to get into an accident than other motorists.”

            The 24-month pilot program will use federal funds to model a distracted driving enforcement and awareness program after the proven “Click it or Ticket” model. The idea is to make motorists aware of the dangers of distracted driving through public information and education campaigns while increasing enforcement of distracted-driving violations with a focus on cell phone use and text messaging.

            About 11 percent of the driving population has been found to be using an electronic mobile device at any given moment. Connecticut law prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone by adult drivers and the distraction of a driver which leads to a moving violation. Drivers under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from the use of any type of cell phone (hands-free or not) or any other electronic device.

            “This is not just a Connecticut problem – research by the NHTSA found nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than half a million were injured,” Governor Rell noted. “The vast majority of these deaths and injuries were entirely preventable. That is a tragedy for all involved.”

            The NHTSA pilot project will be implemented in Hartford, East Hartford and West Hartford. Constraints on population, the need for research and media controls and the continued participation in traffic safety enforcement campaigns led to this selection. Evaluation will include the impact on driver awareness, attitudes, self-reported and observed behavior.

            Some of the common distractions seen by State Police are:

·        Talking on a cell phone

·        Using mobile electronic devices (e.g., text messaging devices, laptops)

·        Pets interfering with the driver

·        Children requiring attention

·        Reading a map or directions

·        Personal grooming (e.g., applying make-up, combing hair)

            To avoid distractions while driving all drivers should:

·        Use a hands-free device for cell phones

·        Never read maps, newspaper or other materials

·        Never attempt to remove coats

·        Not conduct personal grooming

·        Not try to retrieve fallen items

            In a poll released in July, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that some 30 percent of drivers considered the roads less safe then they did five years ago, a drop in confidence the Foundation said was largely attributable to the growth of behind-the-wheel multitasking.

            The grant was awarded to the state Department of Transportation. Partners expected to contribute to the pilot program include law enforcement, the departments of Motor Vehicles and Public Health, the Chief State’s Attorney’s office and members of the medical community.