CT Program Uses Tickets, Ads to Stop Drivers from Using Their Phones

A federally funded pilot program that started this month in CT called, "Phone in One Hand. Ticket in the Other" will "test whether increased law enforcement efforts combined with effective public advertising can get drivers to stop using their cell phones while driving," according to the Day.   The program is similar to
"previous campaigns to curb drunken driving and increase seat belt use among drivers."  The programs will be supported by a paid advertising campaign that focuses on drivers between the ages of 18 and 49. "The purpose of the new ad is to raise awareness and remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel."  In Connecticut, it is illegal for drivers to text or talk on hand-held cell phones.  Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2008 alone, nearly 6,000 people were killed and more than a half-million people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver nationwide.