Pennsylvania State Rep. Chris Ross, R-Chester, (158th District), issued the following column: New technology is often accompanied by new problems. One can hardly imagine life today without the cell phone. What seemed like science fiction a half century ago is now part of our everyday lives. The fiction of comic book detective Dick Tracy talking into a wrist phone became the reality of the Wristmo, a nine-ounce silver bodied watch phone that looks like a thick digital watch. The technology that led to cellular communication has led to many improvements in the way we live. Things have come a long way since 1983 when the Motorola DynaTAC, which was the first FTC registered portable phone, sold for $4,000. The phone was the size of a large shoe and had limited range. Today nearly everyone has a cell phone. Their use has saved lives and, like it or not, they have become an indispensible part of modern living. I would guess that most people under the age of 30 could not imagine life without one. It is generally agreed that using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is an impediment to vehicle operation that can increase the risk of accidents. Studies, however, have shown there is an increased accident rate even among drivers using hands-free phones. At public hearings on the topic, including one held by the state House Transportation Committee on Oct. 15, it has been pointed out that the problem is as much holding the conversation as it is holding the phone while operating the vehicle. Text messaging while driving is yet another potentially fatal use of modern technology. The importance of this issue came to light in mid-October, when an e-mail rumor began circulating that a new law would go into effect in Pennsylvania making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving. The rumor was featured on Snopes.com, the popular Internet site devoted to debunking urban legends. I have been interested in the issue of distracted driving for several years. Many things cause distractions in addition to cell phones. My concern is that distracted driving is not limited to talking on a cell phone. A study done for the Joint State Government Commission in 2000 by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police indicated that dangerous distractions while driving range from adjusting the radio or climate control to reaching for or looking at a map or paperwork. Among the bills discussed at the hearing was my legislation (House Bill 698) calling for a fine of $50 to be assessed when someone is convicted of careless driving and it is discovered that the distraction was caused by the use of an electronic, electrical, mechanical or personal grooming device, or food or drink or printed material. Although other measures have been suggested to specifically deter cell phone use and text messaging while driving, they may be difficult to enforce. At the House Transportation Committee hearing, Ted Leonard, executive director of the Pennsylvania AAA Federation, noted that distracted driving due to cell phone use was relatively low on the list of distractions that cause accidents or near misses. Interference from others in the vehicle, eating and drinking all ranked higher. I believe a comprehensive approach can be most effective. I was encouraged that several members of the House Transportation Committee agree with a comprehensive approach to distracted driving. Chris Ross has represented the 158th Legislative District, which includes part of Chester County, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 1997.Contact: Len Bennett, 717/787-3407.
Len Bennett, 717/787-3407.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий