Apr 26, 2019 2 min read

Most of us have seen it. We’re driving down the road, and the person traveling beside us, or coming in the other direction, has their eyes glued to their cellphone, rather than paying attention to their driving.

Pennsylvania has a law against this, but it’s a weak law that is difficult to enforce.

“Basically, you cannot read or write a text, or email, or scroll through social media while the vehicle is in motion,” said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Brent Miller.

But Miller told YourErie.com that as technology gets better, its use, or misuse, by drivers is getting worse.

“Over the years, we have seen an increase in distracted driving-related crashes, and even deaths on interstates (related to distracted driving),” said the trooper.

At least one member of the state Legislature hopes to change that.

“Pennsylvania is behind on its efforts with limiting cellphone use while driving,” said Rep. Rosemary Brown, a Republican from eastern Pennsylvania.

She has introduced legislation to toughen Pennsylvania’s law, which still allows drivers to look up numbers, place phone calls and gab incessantly while behind the wheel.

At least one study has found that simply carrying on a phone conversation while driving is as dangerous as someone being legally intoxicated while operating a vehicle.

Brown’s bill would ban drivers from having their phones in their hands for any reason while behind the wheel, and according to the YourErie.com report, drivers younger than 18 would not be allowed to use their phones for any reason, even when a vehicle is stopped in traffic.

Phones could still be used for GPS assistance, but not while being held by a driver.

Brown’s legislation also would increase the fine for texting while driving from $50 to $200.

Pennsylvania is lagging behind neighboring states, and many others, when it comes to protecting motorists from those who use their phones while driving. It’s time to catch up.