Crackdown on distracted driving

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Phone in one hand, ticket in the other -- That's the message of a new distracted driving crackdown in the Hartford area. Today, that message will be delivered by the country's top transportation official.

State and local police are going to be out on the highways and roads in the Hartford area specifically looking for people using their cellphones when they shouldn't.

If you're under 18, you can never use a cell phone while driving. If you're over 18, you can only talk on a hands-free device, and you are not allowed to text while driving.

Distracted driving accidents killed nearly 6,000 people in 2008 alone, so it's dangerous and it can be expensive. A ticket in Connecticut can cost you up to $100 plus court costs.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is coming to Hartford today to support this effort. It's one of several nationwide involving police crackdowns and media campaigns to get the message out of "Phone in one hand, ticket in the other."