Another state (not Pa.) reins in cell phones

Delaware got a pat on the back from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for enacting a statewide ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving and banning texting while driving. It became the 30th state with a texting ban.

In Pennsylvania, it remains legal for everyone, including teenagers, to gab or send text messages while hurtling down the highway.

State Rep. Joseph Markosek's bill to restrict cell phone use by teen drivers got waylaid last week with the Senate watered it down to make violations a secondary offense -- meaning citations only could be issued if the driver was stopped for another infraction.

"Electronic devices are potentially lethal in the hands of any driver," said Mr. LaHood in a congratulatory statement to Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. "Thanks to Gov. Markell, everyone who rides on Delaware's roads will be safer due to enactment of this strong measure."

When they cross into Pennsylvania, not so much.