DMV RemindsConnecticut Drivers to Remove Snow and Ice from Passenger Cars

The DMV Tuesday released this, a reminder for Connecticut residents as an expected winter storm approaches.

"Those Traveling with Ice- or Snow-Covered Cars Face Fines"

 The release noted: "passenger car drivers need to scrape off the heavy amounts of snow and ice before traveling or face a possible $75 fine for having a car on the road loaded down with these icy elements."

"This state law, which aims to prevent safety risks from these blowing winter hazards, pertains to passenger cars and other non-commercial vehicles," the release said.

"Fines can increase up to $1,000 for drivers who operate these vehicles when flying snow or ice off them causes personal injury or property damage," the release said.

“All drivers should take an extra few minutes to remove most of the snow and ice so it does not endanger themselves or others,” DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey said, also in the release. “That will be time well spent to avoid needless hazards on the roadways.”

The release also noted that a law "pertaining to commercial vehicles is scheduled to go into effect later this year."

 For information on the DMV visit ct.gov/dmv

Connecticut DVM starts 2013 DMV teen safe driving video contes

WETHERSFIELD – The state Department of Motor Vehicles has launched its 2013 DMV teen safe driving video contest and wants to know: Are You In?
That question, in fact, is crux of the contest’s theme, which was designed by students, including some from Greater New Haven, according to statement from the DMV.
The DMV and corporate prize sponsor Travelers Companies launched the contest Wednesday, the statement said sent by DMV spokesman Bill Seymour said.
Students working on the project are Juhi Gupta, a Rocky Hill senior from Mercy High School in Middletown; Michael Brainerd of East Haven; Luke Edwards of Madison; Daniyal N. Khan of Berlin; and Patrick Kudej of Norwich. The students also are members of DMV’s Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Teen Safe Driving, the statement said.
“Keeping Connecticut’s roads safe is everyone’s responsibility,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said, also in the statement. “Teaching our youngest drivers how to be safe behind the wheel saves lives. Stronger laws and innovative programs are one part of the solution, but raising awareness among teen drivers and their parents is the key to road safety. I applaud these young people for their commitment to get the word out to their peers.”
The statement also noted that a recent “parent survey as well as analysis of DMV teen driving laws show that the laws are helping to reduce teen crashes, injuries and deaths, but that public outreach like the contest is needed to help all parents and teens better understand the laws.”
The contest awards $15,000 in cash prizes to the high schools of winning students, the statement said.
“The five students volunteered to help make the contest, which has run annually since 2009, more appealing to teens across the state. They said a simple-to-understand theme that engages influential people, such as parents, friends or other teens, is at the heart of a convincing safety message,” the statement said. “The 25-second videos also must illustrate two or more of the state’s teen driving laws, too.”
The submission deadline is Jan. 23. The contest is open to all high-school age students. Information and rules can be found at www.ct.gov/teendriving/contest.
The teens plan to help increase the number of entries and participants from the 105 submissions in 2012,  to reach out to student councils, parent-teacher organizations and school officials through e-mails and to use social media to help promote the contest to other teens, the statement said.

. They have setup: 
•    Twitter: twitter.com/areyouin2013
•    YouTube: youtube.com/areyouin2013
•    Facebook: facebook.com/2013AreYouIn