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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 15, 2013 02:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative William C. Kortz, II |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation to Prohibit the Use of Cell Phones in Work Zones (Former HB 146) |
| In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation 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, this proposal is also necessary in order to protect them from distracted drivers who create dangerous situations whenever they take their eyes off of the road to, among other things, use a cell phone. More specifically, this legislation 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, it 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. 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 146: KORTZ , BARRAR , DeLUCA , FABRIZIO , HALUSKA , HESS , KULA , M. O'BRIEN , READSHAW , K. SMITH , SWANGER , VULAKOVICH , WAGNER , YOUNGBLOOD , RAVENSTAHL, SANTARSIERO, CALTAGIRONE and MURT |
Introduced as HB978