Pennsylvania State Officials Aim To Crackdown On Drivers Using Their Phones
By Greg Argos
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It happens everywhere these days. People are texting and talking, focused on their phone and not the road. For some drivers, it is the first thing they do when they get inside their vehicle.
No, we're talking about putting on a seat belt. We're talking about getting on the phone.
On Tuesday night, state officials began to really crack down on this.
You may have seen them. In fact, you may have been one. Those being ticketed for distracted driving are increasing throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
According to the administrative officer for Pennsylvania Courts, tickets are up 43 percent from 2014 to 2015.
67 percent of citations were given to male drivers.
"It's a habit. It's really a habit," said Manny Ortiz. "When I drive, I pull it out sometimes," Ortiz said of his phone.
"The way I stay safe pretty much is to put my phone on airplane mode," explained Kahlil Goins. "It's not about the safety though, it's about the battery life," he admitted.
Driving instructor Al Wilson has been in the business for 10 years and says that the smartphone is one of the dumbest items to have on while driving.
"When I'm training them, their phone be going off while I'm in the car," Wilson said. "I have to tell them you know, hey, you got to turn that off." It's become such a problem that his first rule is to get in and turn off.
Student Samantha Rodriguez is set to take her driving test on Wednesday and even knowing the dangers, she struggles to leave her phone alone. "It's almost like an urge, like I have to respond to that person," she said.
Wilson says to be patient and that the message can wait. "When you hear a text, just wait until you get home. Wait til you get to your destination," he said.
So how much can it cost if you're caught texting or emailing while you're driving. Right now the state fine is set at $50.
