by KYW's Tony Romeo

A state representative from Montgomery County thinks Pennsylvania should be the next state to take cell phones out of the hands of drivers. He is introducing legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery County) admits that similar legislation has been introduced in a previous legislative session. But this time, he says, he’s got at least 30 co-sponsors -- more than double the number for the bill introduced in 2002.

And he cites a recent National Highway Safety Administration study:

“…which says that distracted drivers cause the most crashes. And the number one distraction for drivers is using hand-held cell phones. And the fact is, that our Pennsylvania legislature needs to step up and do something to make our roadways safer.”

Shapiro claims the use of hand-held cell phones played a role in almost 1,200 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2004.

His bill would allow the use of cell-phones in traffic only if a hands-free device is used.  Using a hand-held cell phone while driving would be a summary offense that comes with a $250 fine.

Governor Rendell several weeks ago called for legislation that would ban hand-held cell phone use by drivers.