Texters beware! It's now illegal to text while you're driving in Connecticut.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill into law Thursday that specifies the ban on using electronic devices while driving applies not only to talking on your cell phone, but also using it to text.
She says whether it's chatting or texting, distracted driving can lead to accidents. "Five years ago, Connecticut became one of the first states in the nation to fight back against these totally preventable crashes, " Rell said. "Now it is time to bolster that law."
The new law also eliminates the provision that allowed first-time offenders to avoid a fine by buying a hands-free device. "Frankly, after five years it is time to eliminate that 'get-out-of-jail-free' provision," Rell said.
Repeat offenders now also face increased fines. A first offense will cost you $100. Get caught again, and it's $150. All offenses after that will carry a fine of $200.
"Cell phones, BlackBerries and other modern devices have enhanced our lives in many ways," Rell said. "As Governor, I have a BlackBerry and carry it with me almost everywhere. But there is nothing that this device can tell me or give me that is worth a single human life."
