Your LOL’s and OMG’s can wait!

It only takes a second, but it can have life-long repercussions. Texting and driving may seem innocent enough and it’s certainly tempting to do, but every year thousands of faultless drivers and passengers are killed due to the negligence of other drivers.

As a form of distracted driving, texting while driving causes the driver to take their focus from the road and onto their hand-held device. Even while at a stoplight, this behavior can be dangerous, as drivers need to maintain total focus in order to drive safely.

In Pennsylvania, we have a texting-while-driving ban (Established in 2012) that prohibits drivers from using cellphones and other devices to send texts, instant messages, emails, or browsing the internet while driving. This is considered a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over solely for the reason of using a device for electronic communications, and comes with a $50 fine, if convicted.

Additionally, in November 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed “Daniel’s Law,” which enhances the penalties for an accident caused by texting while driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Under the law, drivers who text and cause a fatality will receive a five-year jail sentence; drivers who cause bodily injury while texting and driving will receive a two-year jail sentence.

PA State Law – Title 75