YORK, Pa. — Governor Josh Shapiro announced he will sign a bill that would ban handheld cell phone use while driving. Pennsylvania will become the 27th state to enact this legislation.
Kristen Sechrist said she sees more drivers staring down at their phones while she's on the road. She said something needs to be done to curb distracted driving in Pennsylvania.
“We have seen so many people on their phones not paying attention," said Sechrist. “I had a day last week where I had my mother in the car and we stopped to make a right-hand turn, and the person behind us was on their phone and nearly rear-ended us.”
The bill would make it illegal for drivers to have their phones up to their ears or to have it in front of them while texting. Exemptions to the law include using Bluetooth to make phone calls, using GPS, and making an emergency call.
"Safety always has to be the number one focus," said Jason Kirsch, a spokesman for AAA Central Penn.
According to a AAA Foundation study, drivers who use their cell phones are four times more likely to crash.
In 2021, more than 12,700 crashes and 58 deaths were attributed to distracted driving, according to data from PennDOT.
“That distraction could last up to 27 seconds, which if you’re driving 25 miles per hour is enough time to drive the length of three football fields," said Kirsch.
Once the bill is signed into law, police will be allowed to give warnings to drivers. By 2025, anyone caught violating the law will face a $50 fine.