After more than a decade of push-pull by lawmakers, Pennsylvania has a hands-free law. State Sen. Rosemary Brown's cell phone measure was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on June 5. "I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver," Shapiro said. The new law, which targets use of "interactive mobile devices," calls for a $50 fine and primary enforcement, meaning police can pull over drivers for that offense alone. Hands-free operation is allowed. A 12-month (written) warning period will run through June … [Read more...]
Traffic deaths down; feds target distraction
April 1, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Traffic deaths continue to fall, with the nation logging seven straight quarterly declines, federal officials said. Yet about 41,000 people died on U.S. roadways in 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported April 1. The report came as the NHTSA started a new push for awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. The rebranded "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign targets drivers aged 18 to 34, who are more likely to die in distraction-related crashes than any other age group. NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said distracted driving continued to be a … [Read more...]
Michigan brakes handheld cell phone use
June 8, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Longtime automotive capital Michigan has finally put its pedal foot down on distracted driving, by enacting a hands-free law. It goes into effect June 30. Alabama, meanwhile, checked in with a hands-free prohibition that comes capped with secondary enforcement. And Missouri, another longtime safety laggard, enacted a hands-free law, also with secondary enforcement. "We need to remove distractions and make our roads safer for everyone who’s using them," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at the bill signing for the distracted driving package. "Each traffic death is more than just a … [Read more...]
Ohio to drivers: Keep hands off cell phones
January 3, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A hands-free cell phone law with primary enforcement goes into effect in Ohio in early April. Gov. Mike DeWine, a firm supporter of limiting cell phone use by all drivers, signed the measure into law Jan. 3. The legislation originated in the House, but was incorporated into a much-larger criminal justice act that emerged from the Senate. House sponsors were state Reps. Cindy Abrams and Brian Lampton. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Serial offenders face the possibility of license loss. A six-month warning period begins April 3. Ohio's new … [Read more...]
Feds survey assisted driving, find 400 crashes
June 17, 2022 by Leave a Comment
In a first of its kind study, federal transportation officials have surveyed crashes associated with automated driving systems or driver assisted systems. They found more than 500 crashes and six deaths over the past 10 months. The study cited 130 crashes since July 2021 linked to automated driving systems (ADS), which are not yet available for purchase by the public. One crash resulted in a serious injury. ADS is an entirely hands-free technology. There were 392 crashes linked to driver assisted systems (ADAS), which are in limited use on U.S. roadways. There were six fatalities and … [Read more...]
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