1) Under the new law signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday, drivers of all ages are prohibited from using their phone or any similar device for the purposes of reading, writing or sending a text message while driving a motor vehicle. This counts for using all apps on a phone (email, social media, etc.), except for selecting or entering a phone number.

2) The new law takes effect in 120 days (in early March 2012).

3) Because texting while driving would be considered a primary offense, a police officer can pull a driver over if the officer sees a driver texting.

4) If you’re reading, selecting or entering a phone number or name for the purpose of making a phone call, you won’t be violating the texting ban.

5) You may pull off to the side of the road and put your vehicle in ‘park’ and use your phone to text.

6) If convicted of texting while driving under the new ban, a driver faces a fine of $50 for each infraction.

7) The new statewide texting ban will supersede and preempt any and all related local ordinances.

8) Pennsylvania now joins more than 30 other states that already have a texting while driving ban.

9) A study by Virginia Tech Driving Institute revealed that those who resort to texting while driving are 23 times more likely to meet with a vehicle crash.

10) This new ban on texting is intended to encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road and reduce distractions. Stay safe!

(SOURCE: PA State Representative Ryan Aument newsletter)