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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Matthew H. Smith |
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Smith lauds passage of texting ban
HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, touted the bipartisan passage of S.B. 314 that will ban texting while driving and also make it a primary offense.
Senate Bill 314 would ban reading, typing or sending a text message while driving a motor vehicle. An amendment to the bill, which was adopted last week by a vote of 164-29, would make a violation a primary offense, allowing a police officer to cite an operator for this violation alone, rather than a secondary offense which would result in a citation only if a motorist is pulled over for another violation.
The Senate concurred today, agreeing to adopt the House amendments and send the bill to the governor for his signature.
“This is just one example of the tough changes to our driving laws needed to ensure that our roads are safe to cars and pedestrians alike,” Smith said. “Given the tremendous bipartisan support for this measure, I am very pleased that the General Assembly was able to work cooperatively to pass a strong ban on texting while driving. Coupled with recent legislation geared toward increased training and restrictions on teen drivers, these efforts will prevent deaths on our roadways.”
Smith continuously advocated for comprehensive legislation to combat distracted driving and has co-sponsored and supported legislation that bans texting and talking on hand-held cell phones while driving for all drivers.
“Although this measure only applies to texting while driving, we are closer than ever to passing one of the most important commonsense measures to protect Pennsylvanians,” Smith said. “It is time we join the34 other states and the District of Colombia with texting bans on the books.”
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