Shippensburg driver charged after cell phone distraction

A driver apparently distracted by use of his cell phone has been charged for using an earphone in a pickup truck.

[Joy]

Equally dangerous are the drivers who hold their cell to their ear while making a 90-degree turn using only one hand to turn the steering wheel.

[DUMB]

Take that earplug and put it where the sun dont shine.
Morons like this cause fatalities.

[CRT]

Driving while using a telephone, of ANY kind, should be illegal! And I am seeing as many deliverymen in trucks, as drivers in cars, doing it!

The legislature passed a bill three years ago to make it illegal, and the governor vetoed it in an election year.

[Including IPODS]

Would this earphone law extend to ipods and like devices?

Does it only address the word earphone/s with no more 'details'?

[not taken it]

should have been charged with reckless or careless driving more appropiate for the crime.

[momof3gr8kids]

Sad thing is do you know how many cops I see doing the same thing. Even worse playing with the lap top while driving also.

[Wow]

I dont get it, does this mean hands free devices are illegal? So the state wants you to use the phone to your ear instead of using a bluetooth?

[POEditor]

Including IPODS wrote:

Would this earphone law extend to ipods and like devices?
Does it only address the word earphone/s with no more 'details'?

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3314, under Chapter 33, prohibits the use of hearing impairment devices while driving.

The law states:“No driver shall operate a vehicle while wearing or using one or more headphones or earphones.”

Hearing aids, Bluetooths and other headsets for cell phones limited to use in one ear, and headphones for use by emergency vehicle drivers are allowed.

[POReader]

Here ya go DUMB !!!
Hearing aids, Bluetooths and other headsets for cell phones limited to use in one ear, and headphones for use by emergency vehicle drivers are allowed.

[Multitasker]

Joy wrote:

Equally dangerous are the drivers who hold their cell to their ear while making a 90-degree turn using only one hand to turn the steering wheel.

Equally dangerous is the person switching radio stations and the like. One such person hit me while playing with his radio and was not charged, go figure. Too many people driving are not good at multi-tasking. Leave that to we who are qualified.

[only in the USA]

stupid is, is a stupid does

[REH]

Doesn't law require both hands be on the steering wheel? Any device in a driver's hand would violate this law.

[FYI]

A Greencastle Bus Driver drives with headphones on and is transporting special needs kids. He wears them to drown out the kids since he has an aide on the bus to deal with the kids. It is bus #33.

[disagree]

Multitasker wrote:

<quoted text>
Equally dangerous is the person switching radio stations and the like. One such person hit me while playing with his radio and was not charged, go figure. Too many people driving are not good at multi-tasking. Leave that to we who are qualified.

Just exactly what are the qualifications to be a multitasker? Please list all of them. There may be many of us who are qualified but were never so designated.

[Amazed]

I am always amazed at the amount of stupid comments posted! I'm glad he wasn't injured or killed.

[Yes]

So they want you to go hands free to talk on the phone but now you can't use a blue tooth?

And the reason for not allowing any headphones being that you can't hear emergency vehicles is a buch of bull. If you turn your stereo up enough you can't hear them in these sealed cars anyway.

[Rob]

disagree wrote:

<quoted text>
Just exactly what are the qualifications to be a multitasker? Please list all of them. There may be many of us who are qualified but were never so designated.

Multitasking is VERY important while driving...do you check all of your mirrors constantly while driving? Do you slow down to make a turn?(That involves slowing down, plus use the steering wheel while you check for traffic)

Alot of people suck at driving...some are easily distracted by radio or a horn while others feel the need to yak on the phone because they're bored. Equally dangerous is having "tunnel vision" while driving...that means the driver is only focused on their designation instead of what's going on around them on the road.

I personally think our DOT requirements for driver's test suck..we need something more strict like Germany's DOT requirements...they have VERY strict driving laws and also require 5,000 certified (riding with your buddy doesn't count) driving before taking your test

[disagree]

Rob wrote:

<quoted text>
Multitasking is VERY important while driving...do you check all of your mirrors constantly while driving? Do you slow down to make a turn?(That involves slowing down, plus use the steering wheel while you check for traffic)
Alot of people suck at driving...some are easily distracted by radio or a horn while others feel the need to yak on the phone because they're bored. Equally dangerous is having "tunnel vision" while driving...that means the driver is only focused on their designation instead of what's going on around them on the road.
I personally think our DOT requirements for driver's test suck..we need something more strict like Germany's DOT requirements...they have VERY strict driving laws and also require 5,000 certified (riding with your buddy doesn't count) driving before taking your test

To answer your questions - Yes and Yes. I also use my turn signal to indicate my intentions to other drivers and I do not use a cell phone when driving. I do not take calls while driving and will only make a call if there's an emergency, such as following an erratic driver. I also stay in my own lane when rounding a curve and I do not tailgate the driver in front of me. I don't feel the need to be punctual. If I leave late, I arrive late. My destination isn't relocating. I yield to emergency vehicles. I yield to traffic when entering 81 unless there is a stop sign. I keep the volume on my radio at at level where I am able to hear emergency vehicles. I am also able to converse with passengers while focusing on driving. My lights are on when it's overcast or raining. Am I a qualified multitasker or should I be capable of drinking coffee and putting on make-up while driving to qualify?

German driving requirements may be more strict but that isn't the point. People just need to use some common sense and obey the laws when they're behind the wheel. If only the eunuchs in Harrisburg would pass a law prohibiting cell phone use (talking and/or texting and sexting) while driving.

[Flask]

This states laws really suck. How many lives need to be lost before our goverment(the one that couldnt pass a budget for 100 + days) passes and enforces a cell phone or distracted driver law???? Life is short dont let distractions make yours or worse yet someone elses shorter ,Pull over saftley and talk or better yet do it in person.

[ccc]

Ok then what happens when they decide there is no need for a radio in your car because of the risk of distraction-per the complaints from previous posters? Even if you don't listen to it loud or change the station it is nice to have one right?