Senator William H. Nickerson (R-Greenwich) today announced that the Senate adopted an "alcohol open container" amendment which he sponsored.

Late last night the Senate adopted Senate Bill 1116, "An Act Amending Certain Motor Vehicle Statutes," which included an amendment sponsored by Senator Nickerson which prohibits a driver from having access to an open alcohol container. The bill allows open alcohol containers to be carried in a trunk or glove compartment or in the space behind the rear seat in SUVs and station wagons. The bill now moves on to the House for further action.

Nickerson said, "Today Connecticut is one of only 14 states which do not have such a prohibition and are out of compliance with federal law which provides sanctions for states which do not have such legislation. By adopting this measure we will free up $5 million of federal highway construction funds for Connecticut which would otherwise be diverted for other uses."

"It is simply absurd that Connecticut law now permits a driver to hold an open bottle of whiskey in his hand. The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and others strongly support this bill and I hope the House will act favorably."

Nickerson previously supported a bill adopted by the House and Senate which would prohibit 16 and 17 year olds from driving between midnight and 5:00AM (House Bill 5446).

Nickerson said, "A study by the University of Connecticut shows, unhappily, that teenage drivers are involved in collisions and fatal accidents in proportion significantly higher than their portion of the state driving population. The most dangerous hours for teenage drivers are nighttime. The bill also increases from 8 to 20 hours the behind-the-wheel instruction required for license applicants. This allows teenage drivers to gain the experience and maturity that are needed to cope with late night driving." The bill is now on the Governor's desk awaiting her action.

Finally, the House has approved a ban on using a hand held cell phone while driving. (House Bill 6722) Nickerson said, "This is another common sense bill which has strong support in both the House and the Senate. In the past it has been blocked by Senate leaders who have been unwilling to bring the bill up for a vote. Hopefully they will this time, particularly in light of the changing technology which provides for ever more convenient alternatives in the form of permissible hands-free cell phones." The bill provides appropriate exceptions for cell phone use in emergency situations.

"All in all this session has the potential for important accomplishments in the vital area of driver safety and saving lives."