Eileen Miller holds a photo of her son, Paul Miller Jr., who lost his life when his car was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by a distracted driver.
Miller Jr.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law during a ceremony in June 2024 in Harrisburg. At left is Eileen Miller, Paul’s mother; and at right is Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe County, who sponsored the legislation.
Eileen Woelkers Miller shows these photos when she speaks to students about the tragic consequences of distracted driving. The photos show her son, Paul Miller Jr., who was killed when a distracted driver drove his tractor-trailer into Paul’s car. The photos show the scene and Paul’s mangled car.
Carroll
WILKES-BARRE — Eyes up and on the road — cell phones down.
On Friday, June 5, Pennsylvania’s distracted driving law — known as “Paul Miller’s Law” — officially goes into effect, ending a 12-month warning phase.
In 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays.
Beginning June 5, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law.
The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays.
The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving.
Since Paul’s death, Eileen Miller — Paul’s mother — has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.
The law is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement officers have the authority to pull you over and issue a citation solely because they see you holding or using a mobile device. They do not need to observe another traffic violation, such as speeding or swerving, to initiate the traffic stop.
Additionally, depending on the circumstances, drivers who violate Paul Miller’s Law or the texting-while-driving ban may also be convicted of Homicide by Vehicle or Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, and given increased sentences.
Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency, and to use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use GPS, and listen to music.
Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion.
Pennsylvania joins 31 states, including all bordering states, in recognizing the dangers of distracted driving by passing legislation that includes not only deterrents, but also opportunities for education about the dangers of distracted driving.
“This law will save lives, and that is the most important thing,” said Eileen Miller. “I don’t want any parent to ever have to go to a morgue to identify their child — like I did — because of something so preventable. Your choices behind the wheel matter. Put down the phone!”
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll also emphatically urged drivers to obey Paul Miller’s Law.
“Please put the phone down when you are driving,” Carroll said. “It’s not only dangerous — it’s now also illegal. Slow down, be kind, and never drive impaired by any substance.
“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives. Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down — it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.”
AAA/PennDOT cite statistics
Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said distracted driving is killing people.
“And we hope this new law changes behavior,” Tidwell said. “Any task that requires a driver to take their eyes or attention off the road is a distraction and should be avoided while the vehicle is in motion, including the use of handheld cellphones.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2025, there were 9,443 crashes involving distracted drivers, resulting in 54 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported because many drivers are reluctant to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash.
The 2024 AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that 92% of drivers believe holding and talking on a hand-held cell phone is dangerous.
The study also revealed that 36% of drivers admit to driving while holding and talking on a cell phone while driving.
Lastly, 84% of drivers believe that the people important to them would disapprove of them holding and talking on a cell phone while driving.
Another recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that drivers talking on a cellphone are up to four times as likely to crash.
“For drivers, the message is simple — put down the phone and focus your attention on the task at hand — driving,” Tidwell said. “As drivers, we all have a responsibility to stay focused for the safety of all road users. Lives depend on it.”
If you are the driver, AAA suggests following these steps for a safe drive:
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device.
• Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them to access your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.