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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph F. Markosek |
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Markosek and Oprah: Put down the phone
HARRISBURG, April 23 – House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek is asking residents to participate in National No Phone Zone Day on Friday, April 30 promoted by television personality Oprah Winfrey.
"I have been doing all I can to address this problem in Pennsylvania and Oprah's advocacy will help our efforts to disconnect distracted driving," said Markosek, author of two bills that would address the issue. "People must get the message that they need to act responsibly when operating a 4,000-pound potential battering ram."
Markosek's H.B. 2070, originally introduced to ban texting for all drivers and to ban holders of learner’s permits and junior licenses from using any wireless device while driving, was expanded to include all handheld phone use. Violations would be a primary offense.
Exceptions to the ban would include situations where the vehicle is at a complete stop and the vehicle’s transmission is shifted to neutral or park, drivers calling 911 or dialing mobile phones that allow hands-free operation for conversation. The $50 fine would be doubled to $100 if the infraction takes place in a school zone, active work zone, highway safety corridor or emergency response area.
Markosek's H.B. 67 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.
Both bills are stalled in the Senate.
"These bills are important because in 2008, one in six fatal accidents was caused by distracted driving," said Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland. "But meanwhile, residents can do their part by participating in the National No Phone Zone Day."
Oprah asks people to:
· Not text while driving;
· Not text while driving and use only hands-free calling if they need to use the phone while driving; or
· Refrain from using the phone while driving.