Bill debated on distracted driving in PA

NO MORE C.B., USE ALLOWED IN GESTAPOVANIA !!! ( Pennsylvania),....





HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania drivers better put down that cellphone, stop eating that hamburger and quit adjusting the radio dial.
Lawmakers on the House Transportation Committee this week debated a proposal sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross, R-Chester, that would fine drivers for "distracted driving." No vote was taken, but the measure may be debated again later.
H.B. 896 defines distracted driving as careless driving while the driver is using a radio, recording or playback device, telephone device, citizens band radio, television, computer "and any other device."
It also includes grooming, eating food and reading any electronic or printed material, including cell phone texts.
"There have been a number of very distracting situations where people have been hurt, injured, killed by folks that are not paying attention while they're driving," Ross said. "That becomes an immediately dangerous situation . This is a common problem, and it's really a subject I know the General Assembly has talked about extensively."
The legislation provides penalties for distracted driving after drivers already pulled over by a police officer for "careless driving," such as running a stop sign, weaving in traffic or driving too slowly in a regular speed zone.

The measure calls for a $250 fine if the distracted driving causes "serious bodily harm" to another, and a $500 fine if it results in death. Violations without incident would result in a $50 fine.

The issue is a hot topic across the nation.

A representative from the National Conference of State Legislatures testified that 143 bills dealing with distracted driving are now before 33 state legislatures.
Ross' proposal garnered a diversity of attention, with automobile club AAA and phone company Sprint Nextel appearing to testify before lawmakers. The Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT did not appear but submitted written testimony.
State Rep. Katharine Watson, R-Bucks, on of 32 co-sponsors of H.B. 896, also has introduced legislation of her own, H.B. 9, to further regulate teen driving in Pennsylvania. Drivers with only a learning drivers' permit would not be allowed to have more than one passenger under the age of 18

http://www.mygov365.com/legislation/.../tab/overview/



http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...&type=B&bn=896

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few driver's are talking on the C.B. long enough to be distracted. At least while driving. There is not sufficient time to carry on long conversations. brief statements, bear sightings, are the gist of conversations.
Texting, and using telephones is a major distraction. I used to talk on a cell phone 10 years ago. I had an "almost" and never did so again. I keep my phone off when driving, and check messages when re-fueling or shutting down for the day.
Now few realize that they will be stopped for using a communication device because this law defines this as " UN-safe driving"...reckless driving. A point hidden in the law.