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Increase in texting violations expectedJun 09, 2012 (Tribune-Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- In a span of two days, two motorists became the first in Washington County to be cited under the state's anti-texting law. On Tuesday, East Bethlehem police issued a traffic citation to Robert Coyle Jr., 48, of Charleroi for driving while texting. On Wednesday, Canonsburg police cited Amanda Costanzo, 25, of Venetia for the same offense. Neither could be reached for comment. Although similar reports in surrounding counties have been sparse, police expect the number of people paying the $50 fine for texting to increase as more young people take to the road during summer months. Trooper Steve Limani, state police spokesman, said drivers ages 16 to mid-20s are typically the worst offenders. "That generation grew up with texting," he said. The ban, which went into effect on March 8, makes texting while driving a primary offense, meaning police can use it as the sole reason for stopping a motorist. The law does not ban talking on handheld phones while driving. As of May 25, state police had issued 52 citations for texting statewide. In Western Pennsylvania, the troop overseeing Washington, Allegheny, Greene and Fayette issued four. The troop based in Greensburg -- which oversees Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria and Somerset counties -- issued seven. Limani said police are looking for people holding phones out in front of them to read their screens in addition to people who constantly duck their heads to see phones on their laps, he said. "Maybe they're crossing over the lines or driving slow," he said. Penn Borough police on Thursday cited Nathaniel Bach, 37, of Hempfield for texting while driving when an officer saw Bach's 2004 Mitsubishi sport utility vehicle come to a stop in the middle of the intersection. The officer said he observed the driver use his cell phone to deliver a text message while he was stopped in traffic. In addition to being cited for texting, Bach is charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Limani said he anticipates police will form target groups to focus on texters -- much like groups that look solely for people driving without seat belts -- to help with enforcement of the law. "Our guys are getting better and better," he said. Tweet ___ (c)2012 Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) Visit Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) at www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib Distributed by MCT Information Services |