PA - Senator proposes bill to curb distracted driving

http://timesherald.com/articles/2011...mode=fullstory

I don't know much about these bills but it sounds like this one may have a better chance at passing than the similar one last year did...according to the article, last year's bill didn't pass because they felt it was too lenient, which this new bill addresses.

No handheld cell phone use and no texting while driving for ANY driver
Hands-free cell phone use only for drivers over age 18
Junior drivers (under age 18) are permitted to only have one juvenile passenger while driving, with family being an exception
All are primary offenses

No handheld cell phone use - DISAGREE - Using a cell phone while keeping your eyes on the road is manageable (for some people)

No texting while driving for ANY driver - AGREE

Hands-free cell phone use only for drivers over age 18 - DISAGREE - When you turn 18, does it magically make you able to use a bluetooth device? Lol

Junior drivers (under age 18) are permitted to only have one juvenile passenger while driving, with family being an exception - DISAGREE - You should be able to transport as many people as your car can legally seat.

I agree with no handheld use and no texting for everyone...however, I think hands-free should be allowed for all drivers, not just those over 18. In fact, from my own unofficial research I've found that handheld cell phone use is the worst for those aged 18-24ish...not those under 18.

As far as only having one juvenile in the car at a time...I'm indifferent. It depends on the kid more than anything, there are kids who can barely listen to the radio while driving because they're so distracted and there's other kids who can drive perfectly fine with distractions. I guess like everything else it's more of a majority rule, in which case I would agree that overall those aged 16-18 can't really drive as well with 3 or 4 passengers as opposed to one or none.

Just like how seat belts are primary for those under 18 but secondary for those over 18, it's almost impossible to enforce...sometimes you can easily tell that someone's 16 or 17 but it's not as easy as it may have been at one time.

I came within literally inches of an accident a few years ago when a soccer mom blew a stop sign in her mini-van while talking on a cell phone. She never saw the stop sign and never saw me as I got stopped within inches of her door as she passed in front of me. I know my reaction was there should be a law against talking on a cell phone while driving. However, I wonder if it would have been any different if she had been on a hands free device. I'm not so sure it would be. No one driving should be texting....period.