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It is the position of the Norwich Safe Communities Coalition that Connecticut is in need of improving some of its current laws regarding impaired drivers and child passenger safety. It is our recommendation, that this session of the legislature pass the following improvements in these laws.

To enact an enforceable open container law. No open container of alcoholic beverage should be allowed in the passenger areas of any vehicle.  Under current law a driver must be witnessed in the act of drinking while driving by a police officer to be arrested. The penalties open container violations should be substantial in order to present a significant deterrent. Federal law requires states to enact open container laws that meet certain criteria. Connecticut is one of only a few states that remains out-of compliance with these widely-accepted requirements.

We invite organizations and individuals to support us in these  endeavors. Please contact your local legislator and ask them to vote in favor of the above legislation.