The states of Connecticut and Maryland are tightening their traffic laws, especially those related to reckless driving due to speeding or distracted driving. In the case of Connecticut, lawmakers have brought bill HB7260 to the Connecticut House of Representatives, and it is still waiting for approval in the Senate. If this happens, offending drivers will face fines of thousands of dollars and jail sentences of up to one year if they exceed the speed limit by more than 100 mph.
As explained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on its website, the use of mobile phones is the main distraction while driving and is responsible for numerous accidents. That is why many states have banned their use while driving. In the case of Maryland, if the speed limit is exceeded, in addition to fines and possible jail sentences, offenders will also have 6 points removed from their driving license.
Reckless driving in the United States
It is not an issue exclusive to Connecticut; many states across the country have been forced to toughen traffic legislation to maintain road safety, especially when it comes to speeding and distractions while driving. These two practices fall under what is known as reckless driving, that is, engaging in behavior on the road that endangers the lives of other drivers. Speeding needs little explanation, but when referring to distracted driving, it encompasses any distractions that divert our attention from the road. The main and greatest cause of accidents is undoubtedly the use of mobile phones.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on its website, “Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any activity other than driving is a potential distraction and increases the risk of a crash.” For this reason, the use of mobile devices while driving is completely prohibited.
Connecticut House Bill 7260
The state of Connecticut has taken action to try to reduce and punish those who violate traffic laws. That is why legislators have brought bill HB7260 to the Connecticut House of Representatives, through which drivers exceeding 100 mph would face fines of up to $1,000 and jail time. According to a summary of HB7260 on Fast Democracy, “For a first offense, offenders will face fines ranging from $200 to $600 and up to 30 days in jail, while subsequent offenses may incur fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in prison.”
This bill was reported out of the Office of Legislative Commissioners and presented in the House on April 28 of this year, with the hope that it would be implemented on October 1, 2025. However, it remains in the Senate awaiting approval.
Maryland is not falling behind
As we have already mentioned, this is not an issue that concerns only the authorities in Connecticut, but extends to almost all states. This is the case in Maryland, which since last October 1 implemented new legislation through which traffic offenders can face jail sentences of up to 60 days if they exceed the maximum speed by 30 mph. It also includes $1,000 fines and the deduction of 6 points from the driver’s license. Additionally, they are also considering reducing speed limits by 5 mph so that safe driving begins to be a habit rather than an obligation.