On Oct.1, fines for distracted driving increase significantly in Connecticut. And today, Gov. Dannel Malloy helped kicked off a campaign to raise awareness by declaring today “Don’t Text While Driving Day.” The focus of his message: teens.
“The reality is that drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to die in a motor vehicle incident per mile than the rest of the drivers,” said Governor Malloy.
Students from four Connecticut high schools filled the seats inside Hartford’s Theater Works for the hour-long event, which included a documentary about families affected by distracted driving accidents.
For the 6th consecutive year, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers are sponsoring a teen safe driving video contest. High schools voted to be among the top 5 videos produced will each receive $15,000 from Travelers.
And, it’s not just a teen problem.
“84 percent of American’s said that they were concerned about distracted driving. However, a very disturbing fact, only 31 percent felt that it impacted them,” noted Henry Edinger , Chief Customer Officer for Travelers.