A new bill mandates the prohibition of cell phone use while driving, aligning the state with neighboring jurisdictions and addressing the pervasive issue of distracted driving. Pennsylvania will implement stringent measures aimed at enhancing road safety and accountability.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 30: A driver uses a phone while behind the wheel of a car on April 30, 2016, in New York City. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Banning Phone Use While Driving
Pennsylvania is set to implement new regulations to curb distracted driving and promote accountability in law enforcement practices.
The forthcoming legislation will prohibit drivers from using cell phones for nearly any purpose while operating a vehicle, aligning the state with most jurisdictions across the country that have similar bans.
The initiative comes after nearly two decades of advocacy to address the hazards of distracted driving. Governor Josh Shapiro, who initially introduced a similar bill during his tenure in the state House of Representatives, is expected to sign the legislation into law soon, with its enforcement slated to commence a year after that.
Additionally, the bill includes a significant provision advocated for by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, mandating the collection and public reporting of traffic stop data by larger police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police, with a specific focus on drivers' race, to combat racial profiling.
This week, the Associated Press reported that the state Legislature approved the bill, aligning Pennsylvania's laws on cell phone use while driving with those of its neighboring states. Presently, Pennsylvania's regulations only restrict texting while driving.
Senator Rosemary Brown, representing Monroe County and a proponent of stricter cell phone use laws while driving, has advocated for over a decade to bolster Pennsylvania's regulations.
In response to the bill's passage, Brown heralded it as a "monumental victory" for the state, emphasizing its potential to safeguard drivers, prevent accidents, and preserve lives, as stated in her released statement.
According to the bill's provisions, law enforcement now has the authority to issue citations to drivers who use their phones for nearly any purpose.
Navigating the Fine Lines: Exceptions, Enforcement
However, drivers may still use their phones for certain activities, such as making calls or listening to music, provided they do so hands-free using docking stations, Bluetooth, or speakers.
The ban applies to motorists in traffic or halted at traffic lights, except for those who have safely parked by the roadside or designated areas.
Exceptions to the ban on cell phone use while driving include navigational purposes or alerting emergency services. A first offense incurs a $50 fine, with the possibility of harsher penalties, including imprisonment, for offenders causing serious accidents.
Governor Shapiro lauded the bill as "common sense," emphasizing its potential to mitigate the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents.
Speaking to WILK-FM radio in Pittston, Shapiro underscored the tragic consequences of such incidents, highlighting the lives lost and enduring injuries sustained by victims.
State data indicates a decrease in crashes involving distracted drivers over the past decade, correlating with an overall decline in accidents.
