For some drivers in Centre County, news of a possible ban on drivers using cell phones is welcome news.

"If I'm driving and somebody’s tailgating me, it's usually because they're talking on the phone,” said Martha Bright. “People who pull out in front of you, they're talking on the phone. I really think it's dangerous.”

Local officers, including State College Police Capt. Dana Leonard, are all too familiar with distracted drivers, especially in downtown State College.

“As you drive along, it's not uncommon to see somebody texting,” said Leonard. “It's not uncommon to see someone online on their laptop computer. It's not uncommon to see someone eating a sandwich from a fast food restaurant. That's all distracted driving."

Under the proposed bill, first-time offenders would be issued a $50 citation.

While Pennsylvania’s ban on drivers using cell phones is in the hands of State Senate members, federal officials moved forward with their own nationwide ban.

Tuesday morning, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a nationwide ban on drivers of buses and tractor-trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds from texting behind the wheel.

"It's an epidemic because everybody has a cell phone,” said LaHood. “People think they can drive safely while using a cell phone and they can't. They can't text and drive safely. We know they can't.”

Truck drivers stopped at a rest stop along Interstate 80 near Snow Shoe who talked with WJAC-TV Tuesday approve of the federal ban.

"I've seen a lot of guys veering across the line and everything else, paying more attention to their phone,” said Jason Harlow. “I haul cattle and hogs; I don't need that."

Under the new law, truck and bus drivers caught violating the law can be cited up to $2,750 in penalties.

"I support it because of the truck drivers and even the cars, messing with the phone going down the road,” said Frank Ackley. “It causes too many wrecks."