Connecticut Senate Bill SB00697

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/13
• Refer: 1/25/13

Caption

An Act Requiring Motor Vehicle Insurance Providers To Offer Discounts To Customers Who Download Applications That Prevent Texting While Driving.

Impact

If enacted, SB00697 would impact existing motor vehicle insurance regulations and create a new framework within which insurance companies must operate. By mandating these discounts, the bill would potentially lower insurance premiums for those who adopt safer practices, which could ultimately lead to a decrease in accidents related to distracted driving. Furthermore, this could set a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures, thereby influencing broader insurance and road safety policies across the nation.

Summary

SB00697 is a proposed legislation aimed at promoting road safety by incentivizing motor vehicle operators to avoid texting while driving. The bill requires motor vehicle insurance providers to offer discounts to customers who download designated applications that disable the ability to send or receive text messages when the vehicle is traveling at speeds exceeding ten miles per hour. This initiative is intended to encourage compliance with Connecticut's distracted driving laws by making it financially beneficial for drivers to utilize technology that promotes safer driving behaviors.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at enhancing road safety, it may face opposition from various stakeholders. Some critics might argue that it places undue responsibility on insurance companies to enforce the use of mobile applications, possibly infringing on personal freedom regarding smartphone usage while driving. Additionally, questions about the effectiveness of such applications and their ability to truly prevent texting while driving could arise, leading to discussions about the overall appropriateness and practicality of the proposed measures.