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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 15, 2021 03:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Angel Cruz |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Driving While Holding an Animal |
| Pennsylvania's Department of Transport defines distracted driving as “anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving.” Drivers may face a careless driving citation if a police officer suspects the pet is distracting the driver. However, Pennsylvania law does not explicitly prohibit drivers from operating a vehicle with a pet in their lap. Having a pet loose in a car or even sitting in the front seat can not only be a distraction to the driver but can cause significant harm or even death to the animal if involved in a relatively minor crash. Driving while holding a pet, regardless of its size, is undoubtedly a safety hazard - to the animal, the driver, and all individuals on the road. For these reasons, I plan to reintroduce legislation to prohibit Pennsylvania drivers from operating a motor vehicle while holding an animal, whether on the driver's lap or in the driver's immediate area, which could interfere with the driver's safe control over the vehicle. We might have the best intentions for engaging with our animals in the car, but even two seconds of distracted driving increases the chances of an accident. Please join me in supporting legislation that will remove unnecessary distractions on Pennsylvania roads and end dangerous driving caused by our pets. |
Introduced as HB2184