Each year, thousands of people are killed in motor vehicle accidents that involve a distracted driver. Several different activities can lead to a distracted driving accident, including talking on a cell phone, texting, operating a GPS, and even eating. Because of the large number of accidents caused by distracted driving, many states now have laws prohibiting various activities while someone is behind a wheel.
In Pennsylvania in 2011, there were more than 14,000 distracted driving accidents, resulting in 58 people being killed. As a result, Pennsylvania now has a statewide law banning texting while driving. Texting while driving is often considered to be the most risky distracted driving activity, because it requires a driver to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the wheel. However, all distracted driving activities are dangerous, and Pennsylvania legislators are now proposing laws which would increase the ban to include activities like handheld cell phone use.