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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph F. Markosek |
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Markosek introduces legislation to address distracted driving
Bill would ban all from texting while driving, end cell use by novice drivers
HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph F. Markosek today introduced legislation that would ban all drivers from text messaging in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2070, the product of a bipartisan work group that included Republican Chairman Richard Geist, also would ban holders of learner's permits and junior licenses from using any wireless communication device while driving.
"I got the message loud and clear from my constituents and residents from across the state," said Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland. "They want us to disconnect distracted driving. They want safe highways and roads."
The legislation has already garnered the support of many members, including state Reps. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, and Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery.
"I am pleased that Chairman Markosek and Chairman Geist have pulled together a bipartisan coalition on this common-sense legislation," DePasquale said. "I have been fighting for this effort for more than two years, and I am hopeful we have renewed momentum to pass a Texting While Driving ban that will make our streets safer."
"I’ve sponsored legislation three times in the last five years to ban the use of hand-held cell phones and texting while driving and commend Chairman Markosek for his leadership in helping to move this issue forward," Shapiro said. "His bill is an important first step, and as this goes through the legislative process, it is my hope that his bill will be expanded to require drivers to use hands-free devices, as we know this will help make our roads even safer."
The bill would exempt motorists who are contacting 911 or have stopped because of traffic being obstructed and the driver has the vehicle in neutral or park.
Markosek, who was joined at a Capitol news conference by a bipartisan group of legislators, said there's plenty of evidence that shows distracted driving is dangerous and often deadly.
A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study determined that truck drivers face a 23 times greater risk of a crash or near crash when texting. A University of Utah study of a driving simulator found that college students faced an eight times greater crash risk when texting.
The bill would make violations punishable with a $50 fine. Fines would be doubled to $100 if the offense happened in a school zone, active work zone, highway safety corridor or emergency response area.
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Within six months of enactment, the state Department of Transportation, in consultation with Department of Education and the Pennsylvania State Police, would have to implement a public education and awareness program to curtail distracted driving and promote driver awareness of the legislation.
"More than a dozen other states have legislation that addresses distracted driving," Markosek said. "It's time for Pennsylvania to join that list."