By State Senator Cathy Cook

Most of us probably spend more time in our cars than we would like. I know there are times, especially during the hectic weeks of the legislative session, when my car seems more an extension of my living room than it does mere transportation. I imagine it is the same for most of constituents, especially those with young families and busy jobs. That is why I supported two bills this year that are intended to make our time on the roads safer.

Governor M. Jodi Rell recently signed into law Public Act 05-58, An Act Concerning Child Restraint Systems. This new law, which takes effect October 1 st , expands the state's child restraint system requirements to include older children who are under a certain weight. Currently, children younger than four who weigh less than 40 pounds must be secured in a child restraint system approved by the state Department of Motor Vehicles when traveling. Children younger than four who weigh at least 40 pounds may ride using either a child restraint system or a set belt.

Under the new law, child restraint systems must be used to secure children younger than seven and those who weigh less than 60 pounds, regardless of age. Also, children younger than one or weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system, and children restrained in booster seats must be secured by seat belts that include shoulder belts. Your local police department would be pleased to assist you in the proper installation of child restraint systems and booster seats. I encourage you to contact them.

We also passed Public Act 05-159 , An Act Concerning The Use of Hand-Held Mobile Telephones By Operators Of Motor Vehicles. This new law, which takes effect October 1 st , prohibits drivers from using hand-held mobile phones while driving except under emergency conditions as explained in the bill. It also prohibits school bus drivers from using cell phones while driving our children. Drivers operating under learners' permits or under licenses issued to 16- or 17-year olds are also banned from using mobile phones while driving, even if they use hands-free devices. I supported this bill this year because the mobile devices we can use while driving are getting far more complicated and represent serious distractions from our primary job of driving safely. How can you put all your attention to the road if you are checking the stock market, reading email, or taking photos? It is my hope that these new state laws will promote safety on Connecticut roads - for all of us.