It is likely that many residents of the Pittsburgh area are aware of the law put into place in Pennsylvania that prohibits texting while driving. While individuals of all ages participate in the activity, teen drivers are often thought to be the group that engages in the behavior most often. Since the law went into effect last year, the state has seen a decline in the number of teen drivers who perished in car accidents. This decline is thought to be due, at least in part, to the new law. While teen deaths in auto accidents declined, many individuals of all ages still received citations for texting while driving.

The anti-texting law makes the action a primary offense. This means that a driver who is engaged in the behavior can be pulled over for doing that and nothing more. Those caught texting while driving are looking at a financial penalty of close to $150. Despite the penalty associated with the infraction, 196 drivers in the Pittsburgh area received citations since the law came into existence.

Texting while driving is an issue throughout the nation. As we mentioned above, the problem with the activity is that it puts people at a greater risk of being involved in an accident. According to a study released by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the odds of such an incident occurring, increases 23 times.

Texting while driving is considered a negligent behavior. This means that when someone is injured in a crash that is caused by another driver who is texting, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate. Such a lawsuit could provide financial compensation to the injured individual. To obtain the best result action should be taken sooner rather than later.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "New Pennsylvania law not yet putting a dent in texting while driving," Jon Schmitz, April 11, 2013