JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

On March 8, 2012, Pennsylvania enacted a no texting while driving ban. This law applies to all drivers, regardless of age. While there has been talk about changing the law to ban talking on a hand held device as well, as of now there has not been a law passed.

What is not allowed while driving in Pennsylvania:

• Using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to read, write, or send a text message.
• An IWCD is defined as a wireless phone, smart phone, portable computer, personal digital assistant or anything similar that can be used to send text-based messages including email, texting, instant messaging, and browsing the Internet.
• This law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by Pennsylvania drivers which include the local law that are already in place in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and any other Pennsylvania communities.

PennDOT has reported that since the law was passed 1,300 tickets have been issued. A problem associated with this law is that it is legal for drivers to input a telephone number while driving which makes the no texting law difficult to enforce because police say it is difficult to tell if somebody is texting or making a call. The number of deaths from distraction-related incidents has decreased since the law was enacted, but in 2012 there were still 57 people who died from distraction-related crashes in Pennsylvania.

If you have been injured in an auto accident where a cell phone was used, you may need to hire an attorney to help. Call the experienced auto accident attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C.,  today at 888-807-WORK.