Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Lower Paxton), member of the House Transportation Committee, today voted in favor of legislation that would make Pennsylvania’s roads safer and issued the following statement:

“Today we joined the ranks of California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Utah, Oregon and Washington, and the District of Columbia.  The House of Representatives passed legislation to ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

“House Bill 2070 bans text messaging for all drivers and cell phone use for novice drives. This bill was amended to expand the legislation to include a ban on the use of hand-held cell phones for all drivers. Exceptions would be provided for law enforcement officers, drivers of mass transit vehicles, operators of emergency vehicles when on duty, and leeway would be provided for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone to report a traffic accident, or make a 911 emergency call. 

“It is probably fairly obvious to most of us that drivers who use hand-held phones while driving their vehicle are more likely to be involved in an accident.  I believe that with the use of hands-free phones, drivers will be less distracted and will, therefore, be more alert and could more easily avoid a potential accident.

“I am particularly pleased that this legislation received bi-partisan support.  It was not a partisan issue.  It was a public safety issue and that fact was recognized by the majority of the members in the House of Representatives.

“This measure may inconvenience some people, but it will undoubtedly save lives.  That was the intent of this legislation and I fully support the intent.  I hope the Senate realizes the importance of this legislation as well and passes the bill along to the governor as soon as possible.”

Rep. Ronald Marsico
105th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(717) 652-3721

(717) 783-2014

Member Site:  RonMarsico.com

Member Email:  rmarsico@pahousegop.com
Contact:  Autumn R. Southard

(717) 787-2946
Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com