Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Senator Rosemary Brown held a press conference to introduce new legislation to combat distracted driving in the state. 

According to data from the Pennsylvania State Police, 8% of crash fatalities are due to distracted driving, while 13% of injury crashes are a result of distracted driving. 14% of all reported crashes throughout the state are caused by distracted driving. 

Senator Brown was joined by Senator Marty Flynn, Minority Chairman of the Transportation Committee a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 37, which enhances driver responsibility by prohibiting the use of a cell phone or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway.

"Removing cell phones from drivers hands while their vehicle is in motion will save lives and prevent accidents," said Senator Flynn. 

Safety enhancements laid out in the legislation offers straightforward response and consequences for drivers who are using a cell phone or technology while driving.  

Ilene and Paul Miller, who lost their son Paul Miller Jr. to distracted driving, also spoke at the conference in support of the new legislation. Paul Jr. was killed on July 5, 2010 after a semi-truck driver crossed two lanes across a median and hit him head on. 

"It's been eight years of me begging for common sense legislation, to simply get phones out of drivers hands," said Ilene Miller. 

Senator Brown said its important for the public to contact the Pennsylvania Governors office in support of the legislation, so the bill can move forward. 

"This legislation is reasonable, it is fair, it allows you to use your technology, but to do so in a much safer way for the safety of all people on the road," said Senator Brown.