Lawmakers, Victim’s Father Warn of Distracted Driving Dangers

As Pennsylvania recognizes April as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month," two lawmakers on Tuesday emphasized the need to continue to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving. 

State Rep. Brandon Neuman and state Sen. Rob Teplitz discussed the repercussions of this dangerous habit at a Capitol news conference that was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and featured the father of a victim of distracted driving.

"Distracted driving takes a terrible toll on our families, communities and safety," said . "It is my hope that educating everyone about the importance of safe driving habits will begin to change driving habits that caused 387,000 injuries and 3,331 deaths in 2011." 

Most states have some form of a ban on using a cell phone while driving. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to text and drive. However, 49 percent of adults and 43 percent of teenagers admit to texting and driving, according to a recent survey by AT&T. Worse yet, 98 percent of the survey respondents admitted that they were aware that texting while driving is unsafe.

 Neuman and Teplitz authored resolutions designating the month of April as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Their resolutions received unanimous approval in the House and Senate.

The event featured a video presentation by Joel Feldman of Philadelphia, whose 21-year-old daughter, Casey, was killed by a distracted driver in 2009.

Through the Casey Feldman Foundation and a website, www.enddd.org, Joel Feldman has reached hundreds of thousands of students, families, educators and public officials across the nation about ending distracted driving.

"While I can't bring Casey back, I can tell her story so that teens and adults will drive safer," Feldman said. "The legislature’s resolutions declaring April as ‘Distracted Driving Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania will raise awareness and help all of us tell Casey’s story to save lives."

"The presentation is heart-wrenching, powerful and illuminating," Neuman said. "It will challenge every mind and leave no heart untouched."