The House today overwhelmingly approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Rick Geist (R-Altoona) that would significantly increase the penalties for a Careless Driving
conviction when that offence results in the death or serious injury of another person.
HB-873 would establish an increased fine of $500 and a six- month license suspension for persons
convicted of Careless Driving when the offender unintentionally causes the death of another person.
Careless Driving offences that result in serious bodily injury to another person
would carry a $250 fine and a three-month license suspension.
Under current state law, a conviction of Careless Driving results only in a fine of $25 plus costs and fees, as well as
three points on the person's driving record.
No further penalties currently exist if a death or serious injury occurs as a result of the violation. "If a tragedy occurs
because of a driver's careless actions, even though those actions were unintentional, then there should be serious consequences," said Geist, who chairs the House Transportation
Committee. "We have to reinforce the notion that drivers must be alert and responsible behind the wheel. Tragic things can happen in an instant if you aren't."
Geist
credited Blair County District Attorney Dave Gorman with being a major proponent of this issue and working closely with him to advance the legislation. "Dave has been on the front lines
of this and has seen the tragedies that can occur because of careless driving," Geist said. "I thank him for his efforts to strengthen the penalties for these offences."
Geist added that the license suspension is the key addition to the punishment. "Taking away a driver's license for an extended period can in no way make up for the loss of life
or for serious injury," he said, "but it can sideline the violator and give him or her time to think about what they've done and the pain they have caused by their
carelessness." HB-873 now goes to the Senate for consideration after a 202-1 vote in the House.
