Pennsylvania Could Ban Using A Cellphone While Driving
Currently, Pennsylvania’s cell phone driving laws are a little convoluted. You can talk on the phone – either with a handheld device or a hands-free system – but you can’t text. This makes sense to a certain degree, especially when you consider the fact that looking down at your screen is much more distracting than speaking with someone in a purely verbal manner. But new legislation could completely ban cellphone use behind the wheel, and many safety critics are applauding the bill.
Bipartisan Bill Could Keep Phones Out of Drivers’ Hands
The new bill would add further penalties for distracted drivers. Under this new law, only hands-free devices would be permitted on Pennsylvania roads. No longer would drivers have the ability to physically pick up their devices while behind the wheel – even if they’re simply talking on the phone rather than texting. Drivers would be fined $100 if caught using their phones. GPS would still be permitted.
Senator Rosemary Brown highlighted the number of people who have lost their lives due to distracted driving crashes when introducing this bill – which has bipartisan support. Around the nation, over 3,100 people died in 2019 alone due to distracted driving crashes. Pennsylvania saw almost 11,000 distracted driving crashes in 2020 alone, resulting in 47 deaths and 300 serious injuries. Authorities also stress that the true numbers are likely much greater, since many drivers never admit to being distracted before crashes. Senator Brown stated:
“These tragic deaths were preventable. Responsible cellphone use driving is a behavioral adjustment that must occur to prevent more senseless tragedies, and we must set this expectation through law to protect the innocent the best that we can.”
Some argue that these anti-texting laws have absolutely no impact on reducing crashes, and the statistics would seem to support this argument. Many say that legislation is just the beginning, and there needs to be a serious change in how we perceive texting or handling a phone while driving. This might involve decades of education for young children and other measures. One study suggests that men are twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes caused by distracted driving when compared to women. One thing is certain: Crashes caused by distracted drivers occur all the time in the Keystone State – causing numerous injuries and deaths each year.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Pennsylvania, you already know how dangerous texting and driving can be. You may be suffering from serious injuries that require expensive medical treatment. Your injuries may have left you unable to work, making these expenses even more troublesome. You might also be dealing with psychological issues, such as PTSD or depression. Whatever the case may be, the Scranton personal injury lawyers at the Needle Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Reach out today to take your first steps towards justice and take legal action against negligent, distracted drivers.
