Many Pennsylvanians feel that PA’s new texting law is overdue, and many also feel that it is not restrictive enough. While the upcoming ban on texting and driving will no doubt cut down on PA auto accidents and unfortunate deaths from text messaging while driving, the law does not completely ban the use of cell phones while driving. Bucks County personal injury attorney Michael L. Saile Jr., who has experience in handling distracted driving accidents, discusses the implications of this new law.
What does the texting ban entail?
Following many other states, the Pennsylvania state senate passed Senate Bill 314 on November 1, 2011, which makes text messaging while behind the wheel illegal. Beginning in March 2012, law officers will be authorized to pull over texting drivers and issue tickets which carry a fine of $50.
Governor Tom Corbett signed the bill into law on November 9. The law, which was sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks County, strictly prohibits texting while driving, but does not include any provisions on other usage of cell phones while driving. Philadelphia, Harrisburg and several other Pennsylvania cities have bans on cell phone use at all times while driving. As vehicular deaths in Pennsylvania increased from 2009 to 2010, this measure is surely meant to save lives.
Impact on Safety
Distracted driving accounts for many of the auto accidents in Bucks County each year. Drivers can be distracted by countless things while in the car, but lately the most popular and most deadly distraction seems to be cell phones. Cell phone usage seems to be increasing daily, which means there is more potential for cell phone related auto accidents each day. Distracted Driving accidents cannot be totally prevented, but the new texting while driving ban is a huge step forward in reducing cell phone related auto accidents in the Bucks County area.
If you or someone you know was injured in a Pennsylvania distracted driving accident and you are seeking a settlement from the insurance company, contact the experienced PA personal injury law firm of Cordisco & Saile LLC to learn more about your legal options. Call us now to schedule your FREE consultation.
