New Developments in Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Legislation
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate voted, 41- 8, to:
- Ban handheld cell phones while driving. This includes holding a cell phone to talk, text, surf the web, and check e-mail. Drivers would still be able to talk on the phone while driving if using a hands free device, unless they are under age 18 in which case all cell phone use would be banned.
- Limit the number of passengers for teen drivers. The legislation would only allow a teen driver to have 1 passenger for the first six months after obtaining a driving license with the number going up to 3 passengers as the driver obtained driving experience. Exceptions would be allowed for family members.
- Increase penalties for teenagers who don’t wear seatbelts. The bill would make not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense for 16 and 17 year old drivers and a primary offense for passengers age 8 -18.
The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration. As a Reading personal injury attorney, I am interested in the outcome of this legislation. Are you? Do you think that, if passed, this legislation would help decrease Pennsylvania distracted driving accidents?
