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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Ronald
G. Waters |
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Waters reminds constituents of new ban to reduce distracted driving
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 12 -- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, reminds constituents of Philadelphia's efforts to make roads safer with a new ban on texting and talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving.
According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Virginia Tech Transportation study, drivers who talk on their hand-held cell phones are three to four times more likely to be involved in a crash, and drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is working on a statewide ban to curb distracted driving. However, Philadelphia already has a head start.
This month, city police officers are issuing warnings to drivers who are caught texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone while their vehicles are in operation. Starting Dec. 1, police officers will issue $75 fines for drivers who are in violation of the ban. These fines can increase up to $300 if they are not paid in a timely fashion.
"I am proud of Philadelphia's efforts to make our roads a bit safer. I hope Philadelphia's new ban will encourage the General Assembly to enact distracted driver legislation during this legislative session for all Pennsylvanians," Waters said.
It is a primary offense to talk on a hand-held cell phone or text while driving in Philadelphia.