Smart Talk: Study — loopholes in PA traffic laws cost lives
Photo by Scott LaMar/WITF
What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, January 26, 2015:
Monday’s Smart Talk also includes updates on winter weather and Pennsylvania road conditions.
Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that don’t do all they could do to save lives on the highways. That’s according to a new report from the group Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
The Advocates (as we’ll call them) report Pennsylvania is in the middle of the pack of states when it comes to making roads safer.
For example, the group says 136 lives could have been saved in 2012 if the state’s seat belt law was a primary offense — meaning police could cite drivers for not wearing a seat belt and not just when they’ve been pulled over for violating another law.
The Advocates also report that 39 people who were killed in motorcycle crashes the same year would have lived if they had been wearing a helmet. Pennsylvania does not require motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets.
The group is also pushing for ignition interlocks for drivers convicted of driving under the influence and stronger cell phone restrictions while driving and nightime driving limits for teen drivers.
Cathy Chase, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety appears on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss the recommendations
