BILL WOULD STRENGTHEN PA.’S DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS

A bill is advancing in the state House that would limit handheld cellphone use while driving. The House Transportation Committee voted 19 to 6 on the Senate-passed bill that would prohibit the use of cellphones and other hand-held devices while operating a vehicle. Drivers would still be able to use a phone but only through a Bluetooth connection or a speaker. The primary offense would carry a 50-dollar fine but only written warnings would be given out during the first year. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.