Gibbons: House Passes Daniel’s Law Bill

HARRISBURG, June 15  –  The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, that is designed to increase penalties for distracted driving accidents.

Gibbons legislation, commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law (H.B. 853), was introduced in honor of Daniel Gallatin of Lawrence County who was killed May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver who was texting while driving struck him from behind.

“I thank my colleagues for unanimously passing this legislation and who agreed that changes need to be made to increase the penalty for laws governing cell phone use while driving,” Gibbons said. “We cannot bring Daniel back, but we can take legislative action and pass this bill to protect other innocent victims and their families,” Gibbons said.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2015 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.

“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.

Gibbons said Pennsylvania’s distracted driving law which prohibits texting while driving is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

In addition, the violation carries no points as a penalty and will not be recorded on the driver’s record for non-commercial drivers. It would be recorded on a commercial driver’s record as a non-sanction violation.

His 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.

“This is an opportunity and an obligation to send a message that distracted driving is unacceptable,” Gibbons said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“I will fight to ensure that this legislation makes it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law,” Gibbons said.