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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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House
Democratic Caucus |
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House votes to ban texting, handheld cell phone use by drivers
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – The House passed legislation that would make it a primary offense, punishable by a $50 fine, for motorists to use handheld mobile phones to place or receive calls or text message while driving.
"We are all one text from eternity," according to the bill’s prime sponsor Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Allegheny. "Our legislation will help to educate folks that responsibility and commonsense go hand-in-hand when operating a 4,000-pound potential battering ram. This legislation is proof that the legislature does listen to the public outcry."
"Study after study after study has proven conclusively that using a handheld electronic device while driving has essentially the same effect as the driver getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, and that is unacceptable," said House Speaker Keith R. McCall, D-Carbon. "The message is simple: hang up and drive. When you’re behind the wheel it’s time to pay attention to the road, not check your e-mail."
"Today we’re joining 19 other states across the nation in saying ‘enough’ when it comes to highway accidents that could be prevented by drivers just leaving the cell phone alone and paying attention to the road," said House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne. "In 2008, one out of every six fatal car crashes involved distracted drivers. We simply cannot stand idly by while men, women and children are dying on our roads because drivers can’t put down their cell phones. This ban is the right thing to do."
The legislation, 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 thanks to an amendment sponsored by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery. The lawmakers praised Shapiro and Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, for their longstanding effort to raise awareness of the issue and to get this measure approved by the House.
The measure, H.B. 2070, bans all handheld use of mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants or portable computers while the vehicle is in motion, with the exception of devices being used exclusively as global positioning or navigation systems, or devices that are permanently installed in the vehicle.
Exceptions to the ban 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.
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