Pennsylvania is home to more than 120,000 miles of roads and highways, and motorists traveled an estimated 100 billion vehicle miles on these roads last year alone. Over the past 12 months, I have supported passage of several new laws to reduce or eliminate dangers on the highways, as well as measures designed to protect motorists against costly and onerous regulations.

A new law went into effect this year that bans the use of electronic wireless devices for any form of text-based communication while driving. The ban on texting while driving is intended to curb one of the most dangerous activities for drivers in order to prevent needless tragedies, as approximately 80 percent of accidents are caused by some sort of driver distraction. A number of new laws were also approved to discourage drunk driving and ensure dangerous intoxicated drivers face stiff punishments for endangering other motorists.

The General Assembly also approved a new law that would promote safe driving among teens by allowing school districts to contract with private driver training schools for classroom instruction. Coupled with a law that went into effect earlier this year to limit the number of passengers allowed in vehicles operated by junior drivers, this new requirement will ensure young drivers can be put in the best position to avoid serious accidents on our highways.