Crime & Safety

State Police to Discuss Hazards of Texting and Driving

A new Pennsylvania law prohibits motorists from operating a vehicle while using mobile devices.

Update: District spokeswoman Megan Edwards said Sen. Pippy will not attend the assembly. State Trooper Mungo will still be on hand to speak with students. 

Pennsylvania will discuss a new state law that prohibits texting while driving at an assembly March 8 at Moon Area High School

The new law, which takes effect March 8, prohibits motorists from using any wireless communication device while their vehicle is in motion. The primary offense carries a $50 fine.  

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the law, authorities can stop a vehicle if they believe a motorist is reading, writing or sending a message on any wireless device, including phones, laptops or tablets. The law also prohibits emailing, web browsing or instant messaging. 

Moon Area students will attend an assembly at 1:30 p.m. March 8 to learn more about the new law and the dangers of texting while driving. Pennsylvania State Trooper Robin Mungo of the Moon-based and Sen. Pippy will each be on hand to talk to students about the dangers of texting and driving. 

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mungo said in a statement that more than 14,000 Pennsylvania car crashes in 2010 were the result of drivers being distracted by mobile devices, resulting in 68 deaths.

Moon Area High School's SADD club will sponsor anti-texting messages in the school throughout the day, according to a statement from the district. Visit website for more. 


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