“Highway Safety Law
Awareness week is an opportunity to raise public awareness on various ways to
increase public safety,” Richards said. “This year, we’re raising awareness
through education, social media, and outreach with our safety partners, like
the Pennsylvania State Police, in hope that it creates behavioral change.”
Ahead of the state’s
Highway Safety Law Awareness week, which runs from February 18-25, the agencies
advised drivers of the following updates and safety reminders:
- Pennsylvania’s
“Blind Pedestrians” law mandates
that the driver of a vehicle yield the right of way to any totally or
partially blind pedestrian carrying a visible white cane or accompanied by
a guide dog. The driver of the vehicle shall take any precaution
necessary, including bringing the vehicle to a stop, to avoid injuring or
endangering the pedestrian. This is a summary offense and in punishable by
a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $150.
- “Prohibiting Use of Hearing Impairment
Devices” law prohibits any driver from wearing headphones while
behind the wheel. This section does not prohibit the use of a headset in
conjunction with a cell phone which provides sound through one ear and
allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other. Wearing headphones
while behind the wheel limits the driver’s ability to hear sirens
belonging to emergency responders.
- Title
75, Section 3112 under “Traffic
Control Signals,” dictates laws surrounding traffic lights. As part
of a 2016 amendment, the law includes instruction on what can be done if a
driver believes the traffic light is not functioning properly. This
includes when the light’s “sensor” does not detect the vehicle. In this
case, drivers are instructed to stop in the same manner as a stop sign and
can proceed when it is safe to do so.
- The “Unattended Motor Vehicle” law limits where a vehicle can be left running and unattended. The law states that a person cannot leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running or while the key is in the ignition. The law, however, does not apply to private property such as private driveways.
“Traffic laws are
enforced with the goal of keeping the public safe on the road,” said Colonel
Blocker. “Law Safety Awareness Week offers an excellent opportunity to educate
drivers about some lesser-known regulations. It also serves as a reminder that
the most important safety steps we can take are to wear a seatbelt – every
trip, every time – and to never drive impaired.”
