Congratulations! Your messages and calls to your PA legislators came
through for all Pennsylvania hams after my urgent message to you of
April 18th. You may recall a pending distracted driving bill had
recently dropped a long-standing, pending exemption for amateur radio
operation while driving. Our exemption language was placed back in
after your efforts. Distracted driving caused by handheld cell phones
or texting is a problem these days. But a broad sweeping definition of
wireless devices also read on use of any two-way communications
equipment which requires holding in a hand such as a microphone or an
HT. Hands free use of voice equipment is still legal but that really
only works for cellular phone use with a Bluetooth earpiece or
speakerphone. Most hams do not yet have Bluetooth PTT.
With your calls and email messages to your PA senators and
representatives, we explained our issues. The new law with our changes
passed both houses when returned and is expected to be signed into law
by the governor. I can tell you it was not easy and I did not think we
were going to pull it off. The amended bill allows Amateur Radio use
while driving even if not hands free. Texting is always out as it
should be and no smart phones should be in your hand unless you are off
the road. I recommend you keep a current copy of your FCC license in
your glove box-always a good idea anyway.
Most distracted driving laws are reasonable and were not cleverly
designed to inconvenience us for no reason. More accidents are caused
by distracted driving than DUI incidents. GPS and some other commercial
uses of devices are still exempt even if one argues they too may be
distracting. For that matter, drinking coffee or eating, fooling with
the ubiquitous dashboard touch screens or doing other things while
driving can be more distracting that using a microphone.
Let’s set an example of safe driving while operating communications
equipment. Dividing attention safely while using equipment is possible,
as those of us who are also Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
graduates or private pilots while operating aircraft are taught. Some
of you mentioned these examples. Drive first - communicate later. Put
the mic down when you should. We can and should develop and maintain
these habits while operating communications gear on the road. Be proud
of the example we can set. Let’s show them how it is done safely! By
the way, we made some new friends in the volunteer emergency responder
sector as well since we fashioned some language to help them use their
radios in their cars. We had some allies in this matter. Many hams are
also emergency responders in the Fire and EMS services and they sent out
an alarm (no pun intended) about the new law when we raised the alert
here.
This matter is also an example of how we can act together as a team to
prevent unintended consequences from making its way into law before we
can adjust things. Whether for antenna ordinances, other radio related
rules or any other issue which will effect amateur radio operations, our
League is an effective way to apply the combined strengths and talent
which clearly we have in our League membership. If you see an issue
brewing, please reach out for help so we can get subject matter experts
on the language involved to help you. Remember, it is our League -
which includes you. My sincere thanks to the many members and non-member
hams who stepped up, called me many times to report, and were very
effective in shaking the trees! We had an outpouring of hams roll up
their sleeves and put their shoulder to the wheel. A special thanks to
Joe Stafford, KC3KDH who was our Paul Revere when he saw the modified
bill coming back and called me. I would have missed it. Together we can
still make things happen. Thank you all.
PS. I will be at the Dayton Hamvention next week participating as a
speaker in two forums and will endeavor to be available at the ARRL
booths at times. I will have another message this weekend with details
where to look me up if you are going.
73, and I will see you on the radio.
Bob Famiglio, K3RF
ARRL Atlantic Division Director
