Accidents and punishment in PA?

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by fisheye

I have the man's name on the police report. But I think that it would be pretty nervy to call up and ask: "How many points did you get"! That is why I made this thread. Yes; I hope somebody, with legal knowledge, will jump in here and straighten me out.

Did he get charged with reckless driving or something? If not, and it was just an accident, I doubt he'll be charged with a cell phone. Now, his insurance might hammer him.

[CarbonCountyLiving]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

Here it's a primary offense to be talking/texting while driving unless it's hands free. That how most states who have laws against consider it. In some it's a secondary offense (meaning you can't be stopped for it but can be cited if you're stopped for something else.)

Is it called distracted driving though? I believe it is a primary offense to Text and drive in PA as well. I'm just not sure of the terminology.

I'd think the actual cellphone use would need to be witnessed by the investigating officer, although in cases such as vehicular homicide, I'd imagine they'd pull the cellphone records.

[CarbonCountyLiving]

Originally Posted by fisheye

I have the man's name on the police report. But I think that it would be pretty nervy to call up and ask: "How many points did you get"! That is why I made this thread. Yes; I hope somebody, with legal knowledge, will jump in here and straighten me out.

I will give you $1,000 if you call him and ask him!

Just kidding, I'm broke right now. That would be amazing though.

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

Here it's a primary offense to be talking/texting while driving unless it's hands free. That how most states who have laws against consider it. In some it's a secondary offense (meaning you can't be stopped for it but can be cited if you're stopped for something else.)

That still comes down to - how do you prove that? I guess some of the cameras on the police cars can pick that up. I do know, that in NY, they have the Sheriff's department that has roaming patrols and the technology to determine if motorist are using their cell phones. Right now I don't think most states use that technology?

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by CarbonCountyLiving

I will give you $1,000 if you call him and ask him!

Just kidding, I'm broke right now. That would be amazing though.

No sense in putting salt in the open wound!

[msrp2014]

Originally Posted by fisheye

My feeling is that distraction is about emotion. No matter what device your using, if you are upset, you don't concentrate on your driving. I don't think there is anyway to make laws against emotion?

What a ridiculous opinion.