Distracted driving is dangerous. The lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., located in Reading, PA have handled many cases in which distracted driving resulted in accidents causing serious injury.
On November 9, 2011, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed legislation that banned texting while driving on Pennsylvania roads. The new law, which makes texting while driving a primary offense carrying a $50 fine, takes effect 120 calendar days from the date it was signed.
The new law specifically does the following:
1. Prohibits as a primary offense all drivers from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read, or write a text-based message.
2. Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing, or browsing the Internet.
3. Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email, or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
4. Institutes a $50 fine for convictions under this section.
5. Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.
In 2010, there were almost 14,000 crashes in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role, with nearly 1,100 of those crashes involving a handheld cellular phone. (Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of the Governor, News Release, November 9, 2011).
It is best to engage an experienced injury lawyer to help you pursue claims for damages arising out of an automobile accident. The lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C. have handled many automobile accident cases in the Reading and Pottsville areas successfully.