MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Across the nation, 26 states have banned the use of handheld cell phones while behind the wheel. Pennsylvania will now be the next to join the list.
This piece of legislation has close ties to the Poconos. State Senator Rosemary Brown introduced the bill nearly a decade ago, shortly after 21-year-old Paul Miller was killed on Route 33 in Saylorsburg. Police say the crash happened because of a distracted tractor-trailer driver.
Drivers we spoke with say it's a step in the right direction to help prevent more crashes.
"I saw a lot of bad accidents happen because of it, and it's just plain stupid," James Juscavage said.
Under the new law, drivers who decide to pick up the phone behind the wheel will get pulled over and fined $50.
Drivers tell Newswatch 16 technology allows other ways to communicate while keeping both hands on the wheel.
"Some car operating systems come with integration that allows you to talk while not being distracted," Vincent Beltran said.
"There are so many opportunities to connect with Wi-Fi through your radio, in newer cars especially, and to be honest, that's a little distracting. In fact, when I drive, I have it such that my phone won't ring if the phone is connected to my Wi-Fi," Jack Swersie said.
Once the governor signs the bill, it will take a year for the new law to go into effect, so in the meantime, drivers will get a warning.