OLR Report 2013-R-0096 summarizes Connecticut's anti-texting measures. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has received a $275,000 federal grant to conduct a high-visibility anti-texting campaign in the Danbury area that builds on the findings of an earlier Hartford-area project targeting illegal cell phone use. The report summarizes DOT's grant proposal and the results of the 2010-2011 Hartford area project, during which the percentage of drivers observed texting decreased 72%.
Among the
lessons learned from the Hartford project, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said, were that:
● Targeted
enforcement using stationary patrols, spotters, and roving patrols can result in
high levels of observed violations. The Hartford patrols moved between locations
to take advantage of traffic patterns and known high-risk areas during morning
and afternoon rush hours.
● Drivers who
text frequently commit other traffic violations, such as drifting from one lane
to another, driving too slowly, or weaving between lanes. These behaviors can
tip police off to drivers who may be violating the texting law.
● Extensive
community outreach and public education between enforcement waves creates and
reinforces the idea that using cell phones or texting is unacceptable. Public
awareness can be raised in this way in a short time.
However, the
report made one disturbing finding: motorists continue to call and text while at
the same time agreeing that police should vigorously enforce cell phone and
texting laws. “Changing drivers' assessment of the
risk associated with their own behavior presents a challenge,” NHTSA said.
For more information, read the full report.
