ABATE Members Support Gibbons Legislation

HARRISBURG, May 23 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, was recognized at a state Capitol rally by members of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed toward Education (ABATE) in support of his bill (H.B. 853), commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law.

The bill, designed to toughen penalties for distracted driving accidents, was introduced in honor of Daniel Gallatin, a father, grandfather, military veteran and 40-year fireman. Gallatin, from Scott Township, Lawrence County, in Gibbons’ district, was killed on May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver texting while driving struck him from behind.

“Changes need to be made to increase the severity of the laws governing cell phone use while driving to prevent people from being killed the way Daniel Gallatin was, and that is the reason I introduced the bill,” Gibbons said. “The action of texting while driving can have serious consequences and you have to look no further than the Gallatin family to see how life-changing those can be on innocent victims and their families.”

Gibbons told the crowd that, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2015 alone there were 66 fatalities caused by distracted driving, and more than 300 fatalities in the past five years, including Daniel Gallatin. More than 3,000 fatalities and 431,000 injuries occurred nationally in 2014 due to distracted drivers.

He said in the time it takes to read a text message, a vehicle can travel the distance of a football field. Studies have shown that distracted driving makes a person 23 more times likely to crash, and it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, Gibbons said.

The legislation would bring the penalty for distracted driving accidents in line with drunk driving offenses, such as homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault while under the influence, as well as involuntary manslaughter.

Also speaking at the rally was Gallatin’s daughter, who described the scene of the accident that occurred in front of her house and pleaded with lawmakers to act on the bill.

“This is an opportunity to send a strong message that distracted driving is unacceptable,” Gibbons said. “I encourage all drivers to put the phone down and don’t text and drive, but for those who don’t follow the law, they need to know there will be severe consequences for their actions.”

The legislation is awaiting action in the House Judiciary Committee.