Pennsylvania to Pass Text Messaging Law

Having witnessing a worrying boom in drivers who text while driving, more and more US states have began adopting legislation banning this dangerous habit. Until now, 18 states and the District of Columbia have already enacted laws banning texting, with more and more following the trend.

Pennsylvania is the among the latest to do so. Yesterday, AAA officials and House Transportation Committee Chairmen Joe Markosek and Rick Geist met at the state capitol to urge the passing of the law.

"Texting while driving is a risk to ALL road users, and an overwhelming majority of the public supports the enactment of a ban," Ted Leonard, AAA Federation director said at the meeting.

According to an AAA survey 21 percent of drivers text while driving, and this only in the past month. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that the risk of a crash doubles when the driver is using his phone to send a message. The reason for that is very simple: the driver takes his eyes off the road.

"Text messaging is one of many distractions that can divert a driver's attention," Leonard added. "Teen drivers are particularly susceptible to distractions like texting, personal grooming, changing the radio/CD player and talking with passengers."

"For adult drivers, who provide the example for young drivers, texting while driving sends the wrong message. We strongly support the measures in House Bill 2070 to ban the dangerous practice of texting while driving."