Pennsylvania has seen a significant increase in fatal car crashes in recent years in which distracted driving was the root cause. Because of this, state lawmakers are pushing legislation that makes penalties harder for distracted drivers.
Senate Bill 37 recently gained approval from both the state House and Senate. It amends Title 75 which prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. Warnings will be issued the first year, followed by a $50 fine. Drivers may use hands-free modes in their cars and special provisions were made for the likes of first responders.
When data was last released in 2022, 80 deaths were reported in distracted driving fatalities, and the AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that the majority of drivers believe distracted driving has become the biggest growing safety concern.
Senator Joe Pittman and State Representative Jim Struzzi both voted in favor of the bill, which now heads to Governor Shapiro’s desk.
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