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General Assembly passes bill banning cellphone use while driving
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Pennsylvania lawmakers are hoping to tamp down on distracted drivers by tightening restrictions on handheld cellphone use while on the road.
On Wednesday, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 37, which makes it illegal to talk on a cellphone when behind the wheel. Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the bill.
Per the text of the bill, drivers found to be in violation will be fined $50. Pennsylvanians have at least two years to prepare for the change. The law will not take effect for 12 months. For the first year the law is enforced, drivers will only be issued a warning.
Theresa Podguski, the director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central, said the organization has advocated for similar legislation in other states. According to Podguski, the distractions caused by cellphone use “makes it an inherently dangerous activity.”
“We believe that there are potential benefits to these handheld cellphone bans,” Podguski said.
Uniontown police public information officer Tom Kolencik said their department rarely, if ever, hands out citations for distracted driving. Current Pennsylvania law prohibits texting, using a handheld phone while driving a commercial vehicle and using headphones while driving.
According to Kolencik, distracted driving is always a secondary offense.
Podguski says with SB 37, it can now be a primary offense, as police will be able to pull over drivers who are visibly holding a phone to their ears.
Data provided by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shows that distracted driving citations dropped 60% between 2018 and 2022. In Washington County, 83 citations were issued in 2018, and 18 in 2022. Fayette County also saw a decrease, from 33 to 21.
Using software like Apple’s CarPlay to make hands-free phone calls will still be allowed after the law takes effect. However, Podguski says AAA still advises against this.
“Hands-free is not risk-free,” Podguski said.
AAA’s advice is for drivers to turn off cellphones or place on do-not-disturb, and to limit any other potential distractions. Podguski said even changing the radio station presents a risk.
“Anything that takes the motorist’s attention away from the road can have deadly consequences,” Podguski said.