By now, most Pennsylvania drivers are aware of the dangers associated with distracted driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious, even fatal car accident. This is of course an issue on the roads throughout the nation. Accordingly, the federal government is trying to do what it can to spread the word about the potentially dangerous activity and has declared April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Though distractions can take the form of almost any activity other that watching the road, such as eating, drinking or applying makeup, today the most commonly talked about distraction is the use of a handheld cellphone. The use encompasses not only talking on the device, but using it to text as well. Understanding this to be the biggest problem in the fight against distracted driving, the message the Department of Transportation is sending is simple: "One Text or Call could Wreck it All."

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have recognized this is an issue as well. As most are likely aware, a law went into effect last month that makes it illegal to text while driving. Being caught engaging in the prohibited activity, results in a $50 ticket as well as additional fees. The motivation behind the law is to try to curb the number of potentially serious motor vehicle accidents that are due to the practice. While to many, the new law makes sense, many other states in the country are having a hard time passing similar legislation.

While it can seem inconvenient to not be allowed to text while driving a car, most would agree that if it saves a life it is worth it.

Source: U.S. Dept of Transportation, "April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month," April 3, 2012