New Ban on Texting and Driving Goes into Effect

A law signed in November that goes into effect today makes it a primary offense to send, read or write a text message or email while driving. The law also forbids browsing the internet on your IWCD — that’s Interactive Wireless Communication Device, or phone.

However, it’s still OK to talk on your phone while driving.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, those convicted will face a fine of $50; the penalty is a summary offense … and no one is going to take your phone.

See more details here.

According to March 7 AAA Mid-Atlantic press release, 35 percent of drivers admit to reading or sending texts while driving, and 95 percent agree that it’s dangerous.

“According to federal research, sending or reading a text, takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded,” Jim Lardear, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic said in the press release. “ In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted-driving crashes."

Abington Police did not immediately return calls from Patch regarding the new law.