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Writer's pictureLori Lee WGOLV

Pennsylvania to join other states in banning the use of cell phones while driving

Twenty-six states across the nation have already banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving, and Pennsylvania is now set to join the list.


Backers of the legislation hope to reduce distracted driving accidents and deaths after nearly two decades of pressing the measure.


In some years, it was the second-leading cause of accidents. In 2022, it was the third-leading cause.


Gov. Josh Shapiro's office announced on Thursday that the Democrat will sign the bill, 18 years after he first introduced a similar bill when he served in the state House of Representatives.


State Senator Rosemary Brown introduced the bill almost a decade ago, following the tragic death of 21-year-old Paul Miller on Route 33 in Saylorsburg. The police concluded that the crash was caused by a distracted tractor-trailer driver.


Photo by D'Vaughn Bell, Marqui

@BodyByBell/Instagram


Under the new law, drivers who decide to use their phones while driving will be pulled over and fined $50 for a first offense.


Under the bill, police can ticket a driver who is handling their phone for almost any reason.


Drivers can still use their phone to make phone calls or for other functions, such as listening to music, if they are using it hands-free with technology such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speakers.


The ban applies to motorists sitting in traffic or stopped at a traffic light, but does not include a driver who has parked on the side of the road or another place where the vehicle can remain stopped safely.


Other exceptions include for navigational use or alerting emergency responders.


Once the governor signs the bill, it will take a year for the new law to go into effect. During this period, drivers will receive a warning.


 

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