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11/5/2009 3:34 AM

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Most people seem to agree that talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone is a dangerous thing to do when driving a motor vehicle, but there's considerable disagreement about what, if anything, should be done about it.

The city of Philadelphia has taken the lead on the issue in Pennsylvania. A law that went into effect there Sunday authorizies police to charge anyone caught using a hand-held device to carry on a conversation or text someone while behind the wheel. Violators face fines starting at $75, though police will issue only warnings until Dec. 1. Hands-free phones are exempt from the law, and calls to 911 during emergencies are permitted.

It would have been better if state lawmakers had taken such an action during their last session, perhaps during the many, many days when they were not making progress on enacting a budget, but a measure similar to the Philadelphia law was narrowly defeated in the House. Among our local lawmakers, only Rep. Tim Solobay declined to support the proposal.

Some who opposed the measure said they did so because there already are laws against driving while distracted, but cell phones are ubiquitous, and the negative effects of their use go well beyond those related to swapping out a CD or eating a french fry. They deserve special attention.

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Over the past several years, police in Pennsylvania have filed reports on literally thousands of accidents in which a driver was using a cell phone. Also, a University of Utah study found that hazards related to drivers' use of cell phones, even hands-free models, approximate those associated with drunken driving, and we don't tolerate drunks behind the wheel.

If our state lawmakers refuse to address this danger - whether because of lobbying by communications companies, a libertarian streak, fear of their constituents' displeasure or other reasons - perhaps it is time that municipalities across the state, and here in our area, follow Philadelphia's lead.

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1 comments

????? : 11/16/2009
What I would like to know is how a cop is going to decide if he saw me texting, or if I was just dailing a number. You know alot of companies today are automated answering machines and require you to punch in certain things. Although I would say wait until you are home to make such calls, sometimes those calls can't wait due to the fact of business hours, or spare time. I'm not saying put yourself and other's at risk I'm just saying how is an officer going to know if I'm dailing, punching in information, or texting???

StucknWashpa

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