Pennsylvania addresses distracted driving issues

March 09, 2013

Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue across the United States. The practice involves the diversion of one's attention from the road or the task of driving. According to Distraction.gov, 3,331 individuals lost their lives in car accidents involving a distracted motorist in 2011. Moreover, an additional 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes caused by inattentive drivers that same year. Unfortunately, the problem keeps growing.

If performed while operating a vehicle, the following activities constitute inattentive driving:
- Adjusting the radio or CD player
- Eating or drinking
- Applying makeup
- Talking, texting or emailing on a cellphone
- Talking with other passengers in the car

These are just a few actions that can reroute a motorist's attention from the road.

A common cause of inattentive driving is technology. With the explosion of fancy cellphones and similar devices, the problem is growing -- especially among teen motorists. According to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, deaths of 16- and 17-year-old motorists in car accidents in the first half of 2012 were up 19 percent from the same marked period of 2011. Fortunately, legislatures are attempting to wrestle the issue.

In the state of Pennsylvania, a driver may not use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to transmit, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion. An IWCD might be a wireless phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices. Such devices facilitate texting, instant messaging, emailing or Internet browsing.

This charge is a primary offense in the state, meaning law enforcement can pull over a driver for the offense, alone. An officer does not need to witness another road violation, such as speeding, to stop a vehicle for the offense. In addition to court fees and other costs, violators of the law should expect a $50 fine.

While it may be tempting to read a text message or send a quick note to a friend while driving, the result of such actions has led to a number of fatalities in Pennsylvania. At the end of the day, it is simply negligent for drivers to retract focus from the task of driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was induced by inattentive driving, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. It may be time to evaluate your options for financial recovery.

Article provided by McCarthy Weisberg Cummings, P.C.
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