Recently a Pennsylvania state House committee held a hearing looking into restricting the use of cell phones by drivers in Pennsylvania due to the increase in auto accidents by various distractions including talking on a cell phone.
There are two competing bills under consideration. Republican Chris Ross targets distracted drivers on a number of fronts including drivers who read, groom, and talk on their cell phones while driving, which he believes contribute to an increase in auto accidents.
Democrat Josh Shapiro's bill only goes after drivers with a cell phone in hand which he feels is too dangerous especially considering all the hands free devices available now days.
The cell phone industry thinks education is the key to lowering auto accident rates in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. Gary Horevitz with Sprint-Nextel cites a study that shows that cell phone use as the cause of auto accidents rank behind eating, putting on makeup, talking with passengers, messing with climate and radio controls, and drowsy driving.
State police believe an update in the law would be a good thing, although enforcement may be difficult.
Reference:
"Pa. House Hearing Centers on Driving Distractions, Including Cell Phones," KYW Newsradio, David Madden, September 2006.
