|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: Matthew
Vahey |
State Rep. Josh Shapiro |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shapiro working to disconnect distracted drivers
HARRISBURG, June 19 – At a Capitol news conference today, state Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, unveiled legislation he will introduce this month aimed at keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Shapiro’s bill would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving; drivers would be allowed to use hands-free head-sets under the legislation.
“The use of hand-held phones while driving contributed to more than 1,170 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2004 alone,” Shapiro said. “It is time to make Pennsylvania’s roadways safer for everyone by outlawing this distracting and dangerous activity.”
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, cell phones are the No. 1 distraction for drivers. The study found distracted drivers are three times as likely to be involved in a crash.
Under Shapiro’s legislation, the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving would be prohibited on all public roads in the state. A violation would be a summary offense and carry a $250 fine.
Exceptions to the bill would include law enforcement officers and operators of emergency vehicles when on duty and acting in their official capacities, and drivers who have reason to fear for their safety or who are making an emergency 911 call.
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.
###lr/2006/mjh
l:\print\releases\cellphonePC.153