According to the US government, in the last two years, approximately 6,700 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers.  In 2012 alone, over 420,000 were injured by such drivers. Twenty-one percent of drivers between the age of 16 and 19 who were involved in motor vehicle accidents involving injury or death were distracted by cellphones.

It is estimated that at any given time in the United States, 660,000 drivers are using cellphones or manipulating an electronic device while driving.  Tests conducted by the US government show that sending or receiving a text results in one’s eyes being off the road for approximately 4.6 seconds.  At a speed of 55 mph, this is equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field blind.  Tests by the US government now conclude that headset use is not substantially safer than hand held use.

In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) “to send, read or write a text-based message”.  An IWCD can be a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar device that can be used for texting, instant messaging, e-mailing or browsing the internet.

Please turn off your cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.  If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, bicycle accident or as a pedestrian by a distracted driver, please contact our office for a free and confidential consultation regarding your rights and remedies.

Contact John Stanzione at 610-430-8000 or by email.