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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero |
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Santarsiero supports ban on texting, cell phone use while driving
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, voted to make roads safer by banning texting and hand-held cell phone use by drivers in Pennsylvania.
"We can’t legislate common sense, but we can help people understand that their full attention should be on the roadway. The advent of technology allows us to be in constant and immediate communication with anyone, anywhere – but when that technology draws a driver’s focus from the road, it becomes dangerous," Santarsiero said. "Penalizing habits that are proven to distract drivers from concentrating when behind the wheel of a car, is a good way to make people aware that these dangers often can be deadly."
A March 2009 Quinnipiac Poll found that 85 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed support banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.
"In addition to making drivers and passengers safer, this bill also will have an impact on local roads where pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks but distracted drivers can become especially dangerous," he said.
Santarsiero said House Bill 2070 originally would prohibit teen drivers from using an interactive wireless communication device and disallow texting by all drivers. However, the bill was amended and strengthened by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, to prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers. Teen drivers still would be prohibited from using the devices.
A primary offense, the fine would be $50, or doubled to $100 if committed in an active school or construction zone.
An exception is granted for calling 9-1-1, using navigation systems and for emergency responders performing official duties.
The bill heads to the state Senate for its consideration.
"I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this important bill quickly so Pennsylvania roads can be safer for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians," Santarsiero said.
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