Posted: Tuesday, 26 February 2008 2:26AM
Make Distraction-Free Driving the Law in Pennsylvania
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by KYW's vice president and general manager David Yadgaroff
Technology has a funny way of overtaking common sense -- often with tragically fatal results.
Barely a week goes by that isn’t marked by a highway accident caused by a distracted driver. First we fretted over drivers changing CDs, then talking on cell phones. And now it’s text messaging.
That’s a process in which you use your thumbs to tap on tiny phone or Blackberry keys to create and send messages -- an essential part of teenage life.
It’s also a major distraction while trying to steer amid a blizzard of other cars and moving at speeds topping 70 mph.
In a few days, a much needed law takes effect in New Jersey that will ban the use of handheld phones or text messaging while driving.
But in Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still wrestling with the same issues -- in two bills instead of one. What is really needed is a comprehensive law that will cover all distractions -- present and future.
Technology will not stop with the text message. And, by the way, let’s not forget the application of makeup, having breakfast, and -- believe it or not -- reading the newspaper, all while trying to navigate increasingly tangled traffic.
To submit a comment or reply to this editorial, send an e-mail to yadgaroff@KYW.com.
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