Pennsylvania Struggling to Pass Statewide Texting While Driving Ban

Pennsylvania is one of few states in the U.S. where it is still legal to pick up cell phones and text while driving. While it is illegal in some of the state’s largest cities to text while driving, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has still not been able to reach an agreement on how to address the issue statewide. Just this year, legislators have introduced at least two texting-while-driving bills, but neither has passed. Texting while driving is against the law for all drivers in 34 states and in Washington D.C. There is a federal ban against texting while driving for all commercial drivers including those who operate trucks and buses.

There is no question that drivers need to take responsibility for their actions. We all have a legal obligation to drive carefully and make sure that our eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel. But texting is an act that is distracting at many levels. It takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and attention away from driving – which makes it extremely dangerous. A texting driver is certainly more exposed to the risk of getting into a serious car accident. Although we should take personal responsibility as safe drivers, it is going to take a legal ban on texting while driving in Pennsylvania to make our roadways safer.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by a texting or otherwise distracted driver, please understand that you have legal rights. Injured victims of negligent drivers can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization and even cost of rehabilitative treatments such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. If you have been injured by a driver using their cell phone, it is important that you contact an experienced PA cell phone accident lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options.