Philadelphia Accident Attorneys Applaud The Ban On Texting And Driving In The State

By Author: Sue McCrossin
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In the first week of November 2011 the Senate of Pennsylvania approved changes that would make texting while driving a primary offense. This measure is being applauded by Philadelphia personal injury attorneys who, like other drivers have been waiting for some sort of legislation to combat the problem. York county Rep. EugenetDePasquale first introduced the idea to the Senate almost five years ago.

If Governor Tom Corbett signs the bill into law, Pennsylvania would become the 35th state to ban texting while driving. The fine for the offense would be $50.

Stuart Carpey, a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia is not only an advocate of the bill, but he also has started a chapter of Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD) in the Philadelphia area, where he plans to speak to teens about the dangers of texting and driving. “The additional threat of a $50 fine may just be enough incentive to stop teens from texting while they drive.” Says Carpey. TADD is a local campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and local teens who participate receive a free ...
... bracelet imprinted with “I PLDG 2 NT TEXT N DRV.” Even parents are encouraged to take the pledge online at TADD.

The bill has support from not only Philadelphia accident attorneys, but also from state police and the insurance industry. They agree that the local texting bans in various areas of the state are not effective, and the statewide legislation would save lives. There are some who do oppose the bill because they say it infringes on personal liberty, but the majority of residents think the bill is a long time coming and very good idea.

In the state of Pennsylvania there have been three fatalities as a result of texting while driving in the past few years. Surrounding states such as Delaware that has already passed legislation to ban texting while driving did it as a result of increased accidents caused by distracted driving. Delaware State Police reported 230 crashes involving cell phone use in 2009. Around the nation, research has shown that drivers who use cell phones while driving are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury.

Sue McCrossin is a free lance writer working with Personal Injury Attorney in Philadelphia, Stuart Carpey, to inform residents in Pennsylvania about the types of cases Philadelphia accident attorneys can help with. The TADD program is just one of the many public awareness programs that Stuart Carpey participates in. To learn more about personal injury lawyer Philadelphia, visit our site.