During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is taking action to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on our roads by launching a statewide enforcement and public awareness campaign.
CT police are targeting inattentive drivers
Now through April 30, 2025, Connecticut law enforcement agencies, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be increasing enforcement of distracted driving laws. At the same time, CTDOT is launching a new public awareness campaign to remind drivers of the dangers of taking their attention off the road, according to the press release from CTDOT.
This campaign couldn’t come at a more critical time. In 2022, Connecticut saw:
- 5,318 crashes caused by distracted driving
- 8 fatalities
- Over 787 injuries
National data paints an equally troubling picture. According to NHTSA, 3,308 people were killed and nearly 290,000 injured in distracted driving crashes that same year.
Driving requires your full attention
Distracted driving doesn’t just mean texting behind the wheel. It includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving—even for a few seconds. Whether it's glancing at your phone, reaching for something in the back seat, or getting lost in conversation, those moments of inattention can cause serious and irreversible harm.
We’ve seen firsthand how lives can change in an instant because someone looked away from the road. One reckless choice can result in a lifetime of pain for an innocent person.
As CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto put it: “Safety should always be the top priority for drivers, and that means focusing on the road, not on a screen.”
Connecticut’s distracted driving laws
Connecticut has been a national leader in addressing distracted driving. The state’s hands-free law makes it illegal for any driver to:
- Use a handheld mobile phone or electronic device while operating a vehicle
- Text, browse, or engage with apps behind the wheel, even when stopped in traffic
- Drivers under 18 are banned from any cellphone use—handheld or hands-free
Penalties for violating these laws include:
- $200 for a first offense
- $375 for a second offense
- $625 for each subsequent violation
- Plus points on your license, which can increase insurance premiums
These laws are designed to reduce preventable crashes—but too many drivers still take risks. And when they do, the consequences can be devastating.
When distracted driving leads to injury
Distracted driving crashes aren’t just scary—they’re often violent. When someone’s eyes leave the road, they may not hit the brakes or swerve in time, leading to high-impact collisions.
Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can range from concussions to life-altering brain damage, affecting memory, speech, and motor function.
- Spinal cord injuries: A distracted driver’s failure to slow down can lead to catastrophic damage to the back and neck, sometimes resulting in paralysis.
- Complex fractures: High-speed crashes often cause broken bones that require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage: The blunt force from a crash can rupture organs or cause bleeding that isn’t immediately visible.
- Facial injuries and disfigurement: Airbags and shattered glass can cause permanent scarring or require reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional trauma: Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression long after their physical injuries have healed.
These injuries can disrupt every part of your life—from your ability to work to your relationships and independence. That’s why legal help matters.
Distracted driving is a choice
Our law firm doesn't treat distracted driving as a mistake—we treat it as negligence. When drivers choose to take their attention off the road, they’re putting everyone around them at risk.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver—whether they were texting, scrolling, or just not paying attention—you may be entitled to compensation. That includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Emotional distress
We know how to investigate these cases, gather critical evidence like cellphone records, and build a strong case for full compensation.
Why you need a lawyer after a crash
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, we support efforts to make Connecticut’s roads safer. But we also know that laws and awareness campaigns aren’t always enough to prevent careless behavior.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driver, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. You may face an uphill battle dealing with the insurance company on your own. We have the experience and resources to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
"I didn't know what to expect when I got into my accident. But what I do know now is that this law firm was with me every step of the way. Explaining what I needed to do, helping me understand legal standpoints, and keeping me updated on everything. They made it feel like I was important and made sure any questions I had they answered." — John C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐