Many motorists are aware of the risks associated with distracted driving; however, drivers continue to engage in this dangerous practice. Various news sources have detailed the hazards associated with texting, eating or talking on the phone while driving. However, sources report that there is a new problem on the horizon–webbing.

According to a new study by State Farm, Internet surfing on portable devices while driving is the latest danger. The practice, also known as “webbing,” is particularly common among teens. The frequency of this practice among young drivers has increased from 29 percent in 2009 to 48 percent in 2012.

While webbing is common for younger motorists, State Farm asserts that motorists of all ages are webbing while driving. Between 2009 and 2012, research found that the number of drivers using the Internet while operating a vehicle increased to 21 percent from 13 percent for all age groups.

California put laws into effect in 2008 and 2009, which restrict drivers from texting or using a cellphone while driving.

In 2008, the state completely prohibited the use of a cellphone while driving. Therefore, a driver cannot talk on a wireless phone while driving unless he or she is using a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth, headset or car kit.

Including penalty assessments, the fine for a first offense is $76. A second offense is $190. A violation of the handheld cell phone ban is a reportable offense, which appears on a violator’s driving record.

All minors are prohibited from using wireless devices use while driving, including hands-free devices.

Furthermore, a motorist cannot write, transmit or read text-based communication on an electric wireless communications device while driving a motor vehicle. The law specifies that a driver may not use the Internet or send emails on a cellphone while driving. These activities are illegal even if the motorist is stopped in traffic.

The fine for violating this anti-texting law is $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. However, additional penalty assessments can add to the fines.

While states have used legislative efforts to prevent distracted driving, motorists continue to take serious risks on the road. Unfortunately, all it takes is a simple text message to compromise the life of another.

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.

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Dallas, U.S.A. — Texting and driving has become a national epidemic that causes 11 teen deaths every day in the United States.  This deadly problem has inspired the launch of a new No Text and Drive campaign, sponsored by The Time Group, which kicked off on December 12, a national public service announcement video featuring Nashville Recording Artist, Rachel Holder.

Holder, a Nashville up-and-comer who has enjoyed recent success with her song, “In Your Arms”, has joined the Dallas-based marketing company to help create awareness surrounding the dangers of texting and driving.  The video release along with Rachel’s free mobile app features more information and an opportunity for users to receive a free No Text and Drive thumb band when they download the app on their smartphone.

“Statistics prove that you are 23 times more likely to crash if you text and drive. Our hope is to create awareness and cause teens to think twice before texting and driving. If this campaign saves just one life, then it will be a success,” said Margaret McKoin, President of The Time Group. Rachel Holder added, “I am proud to be an advocate for safe driving. We encourage teens to wear the thumb bands as a simple reminder to make them think before they text and drive because no text is worth a human life.”

The Time Group, a full service marketing company with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and nonprofit industries, provides consultation and advocacy for charitable organizations. The No Text and Drive campaign will continue through 2015 and will feature various celebrities, professional athletes, and military heroes all helping to spread the word to stop this deadly epidemic.

For more information and to receive a free No Text and Drive thumb band, download Rachel Holder’s free mobile app on your smartphone or visit www.rachelholder.com.

Along with the launch of Rachel’s PSA video this month, she will also be performing the national anthem at the upcoming NFL Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints game on December 23. Her new release with Curb Records is scheduled for early 2013.

Image Courtesy : Rachel Holder

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Pennsylvania’s new law prohibiting text-based communication while driving will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 8, making texting while driving a primary offense carrying a $50 fine.

“Your most important job when behind the wheel is to focus only on driving. Most people would never close their eyes for five seconds while driving, but that’s how long you take your eyes of the road, or even longer, every time you send or read a text message,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “It’s not just your own life you’re risking; it’s the lives and safety of every motorist around you.”

The new law specifically does the following:

• Makes it a primary offense to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based message.
• Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
• Institutes a $50 fine for convictions.
• Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.

“This is a serious problem and we are hoping that we can educate citizens on the dangers of texting while driving and prevent future accidents,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. “Our troopers will attempt to use observations of the driver while the vehicle is in motion to determine if traffic stops are warranted. An example might be the motorist continues to manipulate the device over an extended distance with no apparent voice communication.

“Ultimately, we hope that our enforcement efforts will create voluntary compliance by the majority of motorists,” Noonan said.

In 2010, there were nearly 14,000 crashes in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role, with 68 people dying in those crashes.

Learn more online at www.dot.state.pa.us and choose “Anti-Texting Law.”

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