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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Markosek |
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House passes Markosek teen
driving bill
Bill would impose stricter instruction time, minimize distractions
HARRISBURG, April 27 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a bill today introduced by Rep. Joseph Markosek (H.B. 67) that would impose stricter driving standards for teen drivers in an effort to reduce vehicular accidents and fatalities involving junior licensees.
Markosek, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said his bill would increase training requirements, prohibit the use of certain electronic devices while driving and create passenger restrictions.
"Enactment of this bill would give new drivers more time to learn while also removing the various distractions that could pose a threat to the safety of those in the vehicle, as well as others sharing the road with the new drivers," said Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland.
"I believe it is essential to establish safe driving practices early on before bad habits settle in," he added. "And, most importantly, it would help prevent vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death for young people."
According to the American Automobile Association, motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of teenage deaths. More than 5,000 U.S. teenagers die in vehicle accidents every year.
The legislation would:
· prohibit holders of learner's permits or junior driver's licenses from using interactive wireless communications devices, including cell phones, text-messaging devices, personal digital assistants and laptop computers, while driving, except when reporting an emergency or accident;
· add an additional 15 hours of practical driving experience as a prerequisite to the holder of a learner’s permit under 18 before obtaining a junior license, 10 hours of which would have to be in the dark and five hours in inclement weather;
· restrict junior drivers to transporting no more than one passenger younger than 18, except siblings or relatives;
· require PennDOT to compile and publish an annual report concerning the use of interactive wireless communication devices in motor vehicles involved in accidents; and
· make it a primary offense to not wear a seat belt for drivers and front seat occupants under 18.
Under current law, holders of a learner's permit or licensed junior drivers are not prohibited from using electronic devices while driving, nor are they subjected to passenger limits. Prior to taking the examination for a junior driver’s license, a minor must complete 50 hours of practical driving experience with a parent, guardian or spouse.
As amended on the House floor last week, the bill also contains tougher penalty provisions for all drivers who are cited for careless driving if it is determined that at the time of the violation, the driver was distracted because of the use of any device not associated with the safe operation of a vehicle, including using a cell phone or other mechanical device, grooming, eating or drinking, or reading a newspaper or other printed material. Distracted driving would be considered a secondary offense and subject to a $50 fine.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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