Pennsylvania set to ban cell phone use while driving

• Pennsylvania bans cell phones while driving.
• Legislators passed the bill on Wednesday.
• Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign it.

A law to help prevent distracted driving has passed in Pennsylvania.

Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the bill banning cell phone use while driving.

Although texting while driving is already illegal in the state, the new law bans even holding a device behind the wheel.

Before you continue reading, we invite you to listen to the new Tu Mundo Hoy podcast by clicking HERE.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Pennsylvania bans cell phones while driving

Robert Holmes, a resident of North Philadelphia, expressed his support for the measure.

He stated, «It’s less courtesy when you have that phone in your hand. I think that’s done went out the window — the courtesy.»

The state’s general assembly approved the legislation on Wednesday, setting a $50 fine for drivers who violate the law.

However, points will not be added to the license in the case of a fine during the first 12 months after the law goes into effect, during which warnings will be issued.

Road safety education in Pennsylvania

The bill includes exemptions for the use of devices in hands-free mode, allowing drivers to use GPS or make calls without holding the phone.

Alexis Wilson, a resident of Northeast Philadelphia, endorsed the measure citing personal experiences, according to ABC 6.

«I got into a few accidents because somebody on their phone. I feel like there definitely should be fine for anybody that’s on their phone, especially have AirPods,» she noted.

«So you don’t need to be holding your phone if we have AirPods,» she concluded.

Residents support the safety measure

ABC 6 spoke with more Pennsylvania residents about how they feel regarding the new legislation.

Overall people seem to support it.

Among them is Shayna Kalish, from Lower Merion, who highlighted the importance of road safety.

«If this can affect and minimize the amount of driving while people are texting or texting while people are driving, then that would be a good safety measure for all drivers.»

The impact of using cell phones while driving on safety

It is noted that with this measure, Pennsylvania will join 26 states, including New Jersey and Delaware, in banning handheld devices behind the wheel.

In addition to the ban, the bill also emphasizes education on distracted driving.

Requiring that minors learn about this topic in the educational setting.

In this way, improving road safety in the state and awareness while behind the wheel.