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While the Pennsylvania legislature passed up a ban on driving while texting or talking on a cell phone, it did pass new guidelines on the use of cell phones while driving. The legislature hopes that these guidelines will not only help make the roads safer, but pave the way for video game use on the road. Glendale White, PennDOT's driver's education spokesperson, said the state will benefit from smarter cell phone motoring. "We want to raise awareness that if you must talk on a cell phone about whether Lindsey snubbed you last night, or whether you should buy Coors or Budweiser at the local suds and chips, then do so in an educated manner," said White. "Same goes for drunk driving." Here are the state's new guidelines: Thighs at 7 and 4 Keep your thighs at 7 and 4 on the steering wheel while talking or texting on the phone. White said that some drivers try to drive one-legged, increasing the chances the leg will slip off the steering wheel and cause you to spill the drink resting in your crouch, or drop your cell phone. Signal Intentions With Gestures A firm extended middle finger tells other motorists, "I can't be bothered to swerve into my own lane, I really have to take this call." Weave Erratically While Dialing a Long Distance Call or Arguing. Infantrymen in World War II were instructed to run in erratic, swerving motion when charging a machine gun nest to make it harder for enemy gunners to aim and anticipate movements. Though I-80 is much more dangerous than a German MG- 42 machine gun, the same principle holds when calling and driving. Swerving lessens the chance that the cell phone user will be struck by another car or truck. "Remember: the best place to be is on the opposing lane's shoulder," said White, citing statistics that most head-on collisions occur in actual traffic lanes. Use Multiple Parking Spaces Wheeling a car into a parking space with one hand is, like, hard. White suggests disregarding the parking lines and just "doing the best darn job you can." This means taking up multiple spaces with a single vehicle and side-swiping other cars, if necessary. Don't Drink, Use Cell Phone And Drive White advises motorists not to drink, drive and use the cell phone. He adds that it can cause dangerous situations. "I got hooked up with major skank doing that," said White. Mrs. White could not be reached for comment.
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