HARRISBURG, PA — Ahead of the implementation of Paul Miller’s Law, the Shapiro Administration is taking steps to combat distracted driving during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of state agencies, seeks to educate motorists about the dangers of distracted driving while highlighting the state’s forthcoming legislative intervention to address the issue.
Signed into law on June 5, 2024, by Governor Josh Shapiro, Paul Miller’s Law bans the use of handheld devices while driving, making Pennsylvania the 29th state to enact such legislation. The law’s provisions, which take effect on June 5, 2025, prohibit drivers from using handheld phones while their vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped, such as at red lights or in traffic. Hands-free technology will remain permissible.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the law’s life-saving potential. “Safe driving laws like Paul Miller’s Law are about saving lives,” Carroll stated. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the perfect time for all motorists to commit to putting the phone down. Please make the safe choice and never drive distracted.”
A Growing Concern
Distracted driving remains a critical issue in Pennsylvania. According to PennDOT data, 2023 saw 11,262 crashes involving distracted drivers. These incidents led to nearly 6,700 injuries and 65 fatalities, though officials believe these numbers are underreported due to the difficulty of obtaining accurate self-reported behavior during crash investigations.
Cell phone use, experts warn, is one of the most habitual and dangerous distractions facing drivers today. This reality underscores the importance of Paul Miller’s Law, which aims to instill behavioral change through clear legal standards.
“The State Police is committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways and our troopers will enforce the new law when drivers disregard it,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Every second a driver is distracted increases the risk of a crash. Even a split second of distraction can change someone’s life forever.”
Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, echoed these concerns, citing distracted driving as a frequent hazard on the state’s highways. “Distracted driving significantly undermines the collective work we are all doing to make our roadways safer, and it causes preventable tragedies nationwide,” he said. “We need drivers to avoid distractions and focus on the road so that, together, we can enhance roadway safety and the overall travel experience for everyone on the PA Turnpike.”
A Law with a Personal Legacy
Paul Miller’s Law bears the name of a young man who lost his life in 2010 due to a distracted driver’s negligence. His mother, Eileen Miller, has been a tireless advocate for stronger distracted driving laws since his tragic death. Miller expressed hope that the new legislation would spare other families unimaginable pain.
“Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” Miller shared. “My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving.”
State Senator Rosemary Brown, who sponsored the bill, emphasized her belief in the law’s capacity to make a measurable difference. “It’s important that drivers remember that the cell phone has become the most consistent, repetitive, and lengthy distraction behind the driver’s wheel causing significant public safety concerns. This law will change behaviors and save lives,” she said.
Broader Efforts to Combat Distractions
The Shapiro Administration’s campaign extends beyond the legislative framework. It includes public education resources encouraging motorists to address all forms of distractions. Drivers are urged to park safely before interacting with phones, involve passengers as “designated texters,” and enable phone features like “Do Not Disturb” while driving. Other distractions, from eating to engaging in heated conversations, have also been flagged by state officials as hazards to avoid.
According to statistics provided by PennDOT, driver behavior contributes to an alarming 83% of fatal crashes on Pennsylvania roadways annually. These behaviors include distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving, underscoring the need for continued awareness and enforcement efforts.
A Call to Action
State officials have framed Paul Miller’s Law as a pivotal step toward making Pennsylvania roads safer, but its success requires collective effort. Michael Humphreys, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, highlighted the broader benefits of responsible driving. “Focusing on the road while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you,” he said. “Safe driving can also help reduce the cost of your insurance as insurers factor your accident and driving history into their ratemaking.”
With Paul Miller’s Law set to go into effect next year, Pennsylvania is positioning itself to lead by example in the fight against distracted driving. Officials and advocates alike are urging residents to view this growing concern as more than just a matter of public safety but as a life-and-death issue that affects everyone who shares the road.
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