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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 4, 2015 10:36 AM
From:	Representative William C. Kortz, II
To:	All House members
Subject:	Legislation to Prohibit the Use of Cell Phones in Work Zones (Former HB 978)

In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation (former HB 978) that would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to add a section prohibiting motorists from using cell phones in work zones. Given the nature of their jobs, the Commonwealth’s roadway construction workers already face a variety of hazards on a daily basis. Unfortunately, advances in technology have made distracted drivers a dangerous and real threat to the safety of road workers. My proposal would prohibit any driver from using a hand-held wireless communications device to make or receive phone calls or text messages while operating a vehicle in a designated work zone. The only exceptions would be for on-duty law enforcement officers and emergency personnel, anyone reporting an accident or emergency, and any drivers using a hands-free device with their wireless communications device. This proposal would not prohibit the use of Citizens Band (CB) radios, two-way radio communications devices, or any communications device permanently affixed to a bus. Upon conviction, the penalty for failing to comply with this prohibition is a $100 fine. However, a violation of this provision will not constitute a moving violation unless the offense involves an accident or is the second or subsequent violation in less than one calendar year. This proposal is necessary in order to protect roadway construct workers from distracted drivers who create dangerous situations whenever they take their eyes off of the road to, among other things, use a cell phone. Please join me in supporting traffic safety and protecting the men and women who diligently work to maintain our state roadways. Previous Co-sponsors of Former HB 978: DAVIS, D. COSTA, RAVENSTAHL, SCHLOSSBERG, DeLUCA , SWANGER , FARINA, HESS , MOLCHANY, FREEMAN and BRADFORD

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