Text Messaging Continues to Endanger Pennsylvania Drivers

February 2008

Thinking about sending a text message while you’re behind the wheel of your car? Think again. From 2003 to 2006, car accidents stemming from cell phone usage lead to 50 deaths across the state of Pennsylvania.

According to the latest car crash statistics, cell phone-related auto accidents have shot up an astounding 43 percent in western Pennsylvania in the three-year span from 2003 to 2006. In all, 2006 saw cell phones cause 241 car accidents in western PA.

It’s not only PA drivers that are reeling from the dangers of texting and driving. In December 2007, a 13-year-old child was killed by a man who was sending a text message while driving. In light of this tragic death, Massachusetts has banned all cell phone use in cars.