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A Quick Guide To Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Laws

On behalf of greg

The last thing you should have to worry about when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle is that you will be injured due to the careless or negligent actions of a distracted driver. Here, the team at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. wants to discuss Pennsylvania’s distracted driving laws. Our Philadelphia distracted driving attorneys have vast experience helping clients who have been injured secure the compensation they are entitled to.

What does the law say?

Pennsylvania bans people from texting while driving. The law in the Commonwealth makes it a primary offense for drivers to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to “send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.”

Pennsylvania defines an IWCD as a:

  • wireless phone
  • personal digital assistant
  • smartphone
  • portable or mobile computer
  • or similar devices

The law goes on to define text-based communication as text messaging, instant messaging, emailing, or other communication that involves composing or receiving on the device. Fines for violating this law are $50, plus court costs and other fees. There is currently no point penalty for driver’s licenses for a violation of this law.

This ban does not include GPS systems or devices that are physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle system.

Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three basic types of distracted driving: visual (taking your eyes off the road),  manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving).

This type of behavior happens in various different ways. This can include:

  • Talking on a phone
  • Sending or receiving text messages
  • Browsing the internet on the phone or another device
  • Reading or sending emails
  • Adjusting a radio or GPS device
  • Eating or drinking inside the vehicle
  • Talking or looking at other people in the vehicle
  • Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
  • Applying makeup or looking in the mirror
  • And more

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted driving was is the primary cause of more than 14,000 car accidents across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year. The CDC says that more than 1,000 people are injured, and around nine people were killed every day in this country due to distracted driving.

Let us help you through this today

If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to an accident caused by a distracted driver, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The team at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. is ready to investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This can include:

  • Your medical expenses related to the distracted driving incident
  • Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work well you recover
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of personal enjoyment damages
  • Possible punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

If you need a Philadelphia distracted driving accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.