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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Peter J. Daley |
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Orange cones; no phones
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Peter J. Daley II, D-Fayette/Washington, plans to introduce legislation that would ban the use of all handheld electronic devices in active construction zones in Pennsylvania.
"We’ve changed the law to require drivers to turn on their headlights in active construction zones and we’ve doubled the fines for speeding in these areas. The bill that I plan to introduce would add a new layer of safety for highway workers by addressing one of the most dangerous things a driver can do in these areas – either talk on a cell phone or text while driving," Daley said. "I don’t care how careful a driver you are, when you glance away from the roadway for just one second to hit a send button or to dial a number, you run the risk of possibly veering from your travel path, or not seeing the vehicle ahead of you suddenly hit the brakes.
"In a construction zone where the lanes are narrowed, having to make a slight correction with your vehicle could mean risking the lives of the people working nearby."
According to Daley, most people are aware of the hazards of distracted driving, but more awareness needs to be raised to the danger of distracted driving within active work zones.
"In another month, most of the highway construction activity in parts of the Commonwealth, especially southwestern Pennsylvania, will draw to a close," Daley said. "Now is an opportune time to begin discussion on this safety issue, so that in the spring, when construction season starts again, we will have added another layer of protection for our highway workers."
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