According to recent news reports and the Governors Highway Safety Association, Pennsylvania just passed a new law that bans any kind of cell-phone handling. Texting while driving has become an offense while on the road.
It’s a well-known fact that distracted driving causes numerous accidents but the fact that the state decided to make it a law should serve as a wake-up call to all drivers not only in Pennsylvania but nationwide.
A driver must never take their eyes off the road. The ramifications that come from accidents related to distracted driving can be severe even if you were involved in an accident that hasn’t harmed anybody else.
According to the news, the legislation will take effect next March. Any person receiving, sending or reading text messages using a mobile device or any other kind of wireless communication gadget while driving will be given a citation for $50. The report also summons that distracted driving, includes drinking, talking, texting and even eating, caused 20% of all injury car accidents in 2009 alone.
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer I respect that authorities are finally taking matters into their own hands so safety can be everybody’s priority. Being cited for distracted driving or texting while driving may not have any effect on vehicle policy rates but that’s a fact that could be challenged. Handling mobile devices while driving has been proved to be a greater-than-average threat to all drivers.
Remember to always have the contact of a personal injury lawyer in your area at hand in case you have any doubts regarding a case you might have been involved in.