"Hearing held on Shapiro bill to ban hands-on cell phone use while driving" Numerous studies have shown that motorists have a much higher risk of collisions and losing control of the vehicle while talking on the mobile telephone simultaneously with driving, even when using "hands-free" devices. Other studies have shown that using a mobile phone while driving poses the same risk as someone operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Many countries have now restricted or prohibited the use of mobile phones while driving.
See: List of Countries that ban cell phone use while driving
According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sen. Jim Ferlo introduced a bill to curb driving while speaking on a cell phone without a hands free device, texting while driving would be banned totally.
SB1097 calls for a $100.00 fine for individuals caught using cell phones and other hand held devices. As of September 21, 2007, the Bill has been referred to the committee on transportation.
"Some critics of such bills complain the Legislature is going overboard with "nanny government," unnecessarily restricting people in their cars.
But Mr. Ferlo pointed to information about "distracted driving" from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It contends that "distractions," such as cell phones, contribute to 20 percent to 30 percent of all traffic accidents. Mrs. Watson said having too many passengers in a car while a 16- or 17-year-old is driving is another serious distraction."
"The reception to these bills in the Legislature could be problematic, however. Some legislators fear a voter backlash if they go too far in regulating a person's private behavior."
Previous attempts to pass the bill have been unsuccessful.
"Hearing held on Shapiro bill to ban hands-on cell phone use while driving"
ABINGTON, Sept. 7, 2006 -- State Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, testified today at a House Transportation Committee hearing held at the University of Pennsylvania's Wistar Institute on his legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. The Transportation Committee hearing is the next step in bringing the bill up for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
House Bill 2821, introduced by Shapiro in June, would make it a summary offense to operate a motor vehicle while using a hand-held cell phone, carrying a $250 fine. Motorists would be allowed to use hands-free head-sets under the legislation. Exceptions to the bill would include law enforcement officers and operators of emergency vehicles when on duty and acting in their official capacities, and drivers who have reason to fear for their safety or are making an emergency 911 call.
It is my intention with this legislation to make our roads safer for everyone, to get drivers' hands off their cell phones and on the wheel, Shapiro said.
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that cell phones are the number one distraction for drivers, and distracted drivers are three times as likely to be involved in an accident.
Another study by Design Science, a Philadelphia based product design research firm, found that when drivers used a hands-free device as opposed to a hand-held cell phone, 71 percent of drivers steered more accurately, 100 percent of drivers had a faster brake time and 92 percent of drivers maintained more consistent speeds.
The use of hand-held phones while driving contributed to more than 1,170 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2004 alone, Shapiro said. As the use of cell phones is on the rise, it is time to make Pennsylvania's roadways safer for everyone by disconnecting distracted drivers.
Connecticut , New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.
Hang up and drive! Too many times we have seen people driving recklessly while talking on their cell phone and support the move to criminalize or restrict the use of cell phones while driving in Pennsylvania - Readingpafire.com