Pennsylvania May Ban Holding Cell Phones While Driving

Senate Bill 37 seeks to reduce distracted driving crashes

A new bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate that aims to reduce distracted driving accidents by prohibiting drivers from physically holding or supporting with the body an "interactive wireless communications device" - basically, cell phones and smartphones - while operating a motor vehicle.

Senate Bill 37 would make exceptions for hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets and emergency calls. The proposed legislation is currently being considered by the Senate Transportation Committee. If it passes the committee, it will be voted on by the full Senate. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), said the proposal is necessary to protect drivers and pedestrians on Pennsylvania roads.

“Distracted driving while utilizing a cell phone is an issue that affects all areas of this Commonwealth and is a very real public safety concern,” Brown said. “Cell phones are a consistent, addictive distraction that diverts attention for an extended period of time, leading to crashes and preventable deaths of innocent drivers.”

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The proposed ban is being considered just as April Distracted Driving Awareness Month is getting underway. The national campaign seeks to inform people about the risks of driving while distracted by things like:

• Eating and drinking.
• Grooming, putting on makeup, combing hair.
• Checking texts.
• Reaching around for items in the vehicle.
• Talking to passengers.

Any of these distractions can make it difficult for a driver to see and react to hazards on the road. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death.

The Romanow Law Group supports efforts to reduce distracted driving accidents because we see the terrible effect these avoidable accidents have on crash victims and their families. Our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers fight to get car accident victims maximum compensation for their pain and losses by holding negligent drivers accountable. If you were injured in a Pittsburgh area distracted driving accident, contact us for a free case consultation for answers to your legal questions and information you can trust.

Safe driving tips

Distracted driving is a serious problem that causes thousands of accidents and deaths each year. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, distracted driving was a factor in 3,142 deaths in 2020. Distracted driving accidents are preventable but sometimes there is no getting out of the way of a driver that is not paying attention to the road. While there is no guaranteed way to avoid negligent drivers, there are steps motorists can take to help reduce their risk of becoming crash victims:

• Put your phone away when you're driving.
• If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location.
• Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react to hazards like distracted drivers that veer into your lane.
• Encourage others to drive safely and avoid distractions.

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