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The streets of Philadelphia may be a bit safer now, thanks to a new law banning
texting while driving. The new law, which went into effect March 8th, is the state’s first legislative effort to combat distracted driving. Cell phone use is behind a significant number of distracted driving car accidents in Pennsylvania.
To make sure new drivers know about the law, AAA has launched an extensive billboard campaign across the state. Using a bright yellow and black graphic, the safety group has spread the message “Dnt txt n drV- It’s The Law” on approximately 60 billboards across the state.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it incorporates all of the following common forms of distraction:
- Taking your hands off the wheel
- Taking your eyes off of the road
- Taking your mind off driving
All of these distractions increase the chances of having a car accident.
Safety advocates hope to see a significant reduction in the number of people injured in cell phone car accidents as a result of the ban. Secretary LaHood applauded the law and praised the governor, legislator and safety advocates for helped make the texting while driving ban a reality.
Pennsylvania’s new law is following a nationwide trend of state’s banning or restricting the way people use mobile devices. Until the law was signed last year, the Keystone State had been reluctant to pass life-saving cell phone regulations. The new law brings Pennsylvania in line with the growing number of states passing cell phone laws to combat driver distraction.
Source: www.fastlane.gov, “Billboards Spread Message About New Pennsylvania Texting Ban,” 19 March 2012