PA Legislator to Propose Cellphone Ban

This month we reported that law enforcement have been challenged when enforcing Pennsylvania's anti-texting law.  Since the law allows for talking on the cellphone, drivers can deny they were texting if pulled over and say they were calling someone.  At least one Pennsylvania legislator wants to do something about it and is proposing a ban on all cellphone use behind the wheel.

The Pocono Record reports House Appropriations Minority Chairman Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny plans to introduce the new regulations in the fall. Although the bill has not yet been circulated for co-sponsorship, Markosek believes it has support within the Democratic caucus.

The ban, that will result in a fine of $50, or $100 if driving in a school zone, work zone or highway safety corridor, is being introduced to help police enforce the current ban on texting while driving.

The Pocono Record references the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation statistics that estimate 58 deaths and more than 14,000 distracted-driving car crashes occurred in 2011.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving is currently banned in 10 states, including New York and New Jersey, and the Washington, D.C.

Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys know the tragic consequences caused by a distracted driver.  It is clear that cellphone use and driving don't mix.  Our personal injury attorneys urge all drivers to put down their cellphones when driving – regardless of the law.

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Munley Law is a Pennsylvania accident and injury law firm that represents car accident victims and their families throughout the state of Pennsylvania and the Northeast, including those injured in accidents that involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, aggressive driving and careless driving in hazardous weather conditions. The Pennsylvania personal injury law firm's additional practice areas include trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, toxic chemicals, workplace injuries, nursing home litigation and other serious accidents. To contact the law firm, use the firm's online contact form.