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Victims of distracted drivers are protected in Pennsylvania

Distracted driving is a serious concern on roadways throughout the country, including in Pennsylvania. Distracted driving is considered any behavior that removes the driver’s focus from the roadway, eyes from the roadway or hands from the wheel. Pennsylvania has a texting while driving ban which is considered a primary offense. A primary offense is something a police office can pull the driver over for without the need for the driver to be speeding, for example, or engaging in some other type of illegal activity.

According to Pennsylvania’s ban, drivers are prohibited from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to write, send or read texts while the vehicle is in motion. The fine for violating the ban is $50 and a violation of the ban may be used as evidence of distracted driving if the driver who receives a citation is involved in a car accident. Distracted-driving related car accidents can cause serious harm and damages to victims.

Distracted driving behaviors include using a cell phone while driving; texting while driving; adjusting a radio while driving; operating a GPS device while driving; eating, drinking or smoking while driving; grooming while driving; interacting with passengers or focusing on locating or moving an object in the vehicle while driving; reading or writing while driving; and rubbernecking or excessively paying attention to things going on outside of the car.

When a victim has been injured by a distracted driver, they may have a claim for the damages suffered. The personal injury legal process serves as a resource to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages which can be much-needed help following an unexpected car accident caused by a distracted driver.

Source: PA.gov, “Distracted Driving,” Accessed Aug. 9, 2017

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