Unlike a number of other states, Pennsylvania has yet to pass laws that address distracted driving. Pennsylvania drivers can talk or text on the phone and drive and not worry about getting a traffic ticket. But this could all change.

Distracted driving has become a concern among legislators in the state and across the country. States have enacted laws banning cell phones while driving, hoping to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers. And though Pennsylvania may soon have similar laws in place, lawmakers are still struggling to craft a bill that a majority can agree upon.

One of the problematic areas is how to categorize this type of traffic violation. Should it be a primary offense or a secondary offense? In other words, can law enforcement pull someone over for suspected texting and driving or does the officer need to have another reason for pulling the driver over?

Legislators are also unsure whether to propose one piece of legislation that addresses texting and calling or whether to separate the two issues into separate bills. Some states only ban texting and driving while others ban any type of cell phone use behind the wheel.

Currently, the House has two measures to vote on. The first is in regards to texting and driving and is expected to pass in both the House and Senate. The second piece of legislation being considered, if passed, would ban drivers less than 18 years of age from any type of cell phone use behind the wheel. The second bill would also make it illegal for any driver to talk on a phone without a hands-free headset while driving.

Though these bills are still under consideration, legislators are hopeful that they will soon pass. And Pennsylvania drivers can expect, if the bills are passed, that this type of violation will result in some type of penalty.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer: "Pa. House and Senate Still at odds on distracted-driving bill," Amy Worden, Oct. 25, 2011