Pennsylvania cell phone driving laws still not tough enough?
Pennsylvania recently became the 35th state in the country to outlaw texting while driving. The new law will go into effect March 8, 2012. But it’s not enough, according to the federal agency responsible for investigating auto accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board recently recommended a ban on all cell phone use while driving, including hands-free cell phone devices. “It’s about not being engaged at the task at hand,” NTSB chairwoman Deborah Hersman said in a front page New York Times article. “Lives are being lost in the blink of an eye.”
A deadly auto accident last year in Missouri raised red flags at the NTSB, sparking the idea of banning cell phones for drivers. A 19-year-old driver triggered a four vehicle pile-up involving two school buses, killing two people and injuring 38. The teenage driver sent or received 11 text messages in 11 minutes prior to the fatal auto accident. “You can’t take it back, you can’t have a do over, and you can’t rewind,” Hersman said in defense of the NTSB’s proposal to ban all use of cell phones while driving. The National Transportation Safety Board’s primary safety concern is making sure people focus on the act of driving.
Auto accidents caused by distracted drivers can result in serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver in Pennsylvania, you need a Harrisburg texting auto accident attorney in your corner. The experienced Harrisburg, PA distracted driving attorneys at Metzger Wickersham take a hands-on approach to helping people deal with serious auto accidents. We work with our clients to help them decide the best course of action for their case. If you have questions about your rights, turn to the Harrisburg auto accident lawyers you can trust. Contact Metzger Wickersham.
