It's been illegal in New York since 2001.

Now Pennsylvania may catch up to its neighbor when it comes to banning the use of hand held cell phones while driving.

But it's only one of a list of ideas to keep drivers from being distracted.

Roads like these may soon be much safer.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking at a list of proposals to eliminate driver distractions.

One proposal would outlaw the use of hand-held cell phones, much like the ban in New York.

Another would outlaw text messaging while driving.

"I don't always approve of the government telling us how we can live, but I do not believe we should be having a cell phone at all while driving. I do it myself but you shouldn't be answering the phone because it's too easy to get distracted," says Mary Stapleton of Lanesboro.

Another proposal would ban not only cell phones, but any mechanical or electronic device.

It would also ban personal grooming devices.

And it would make it illegal to eat, drink or read the paper while driving.

"I don't think they should be talking on their phones and I don't think they should be beautifying themselves," says Doris Hedges of Hallstead.

"Driving is a privilege and if you can drive, you ought to drive safely and you need to concentrate on what you're doing. You can groom your hair before you get in the car," says Belinda Richardson of Great Bend.

But if passed, an officer could not pull you over for that offense alone.

And the ticket penalty would be similar to not wearing your seat belt.

Lawmakers say they are not trying to be backseat drivers.

They're just want to protect as many people as possible while they're traveling around the state.

Another proposal also deals with restrictions for school bus drivers.

There's no word on when or if any of the proposals will come up for a vote.