PennDOT, safety partners remind drivers to put the phone away or pay a fine

DUNMORE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Scranton Police Department joined together Wednesday to urge drivers to put down the phone while driving.

Effective last week, 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.

Carroll was joined by Paul Miller Jr.’s mother, Eileen Miller, who is a national traffic safety advocate.

“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said Carroll. “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.”

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. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.

Pennsylvania also 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.

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.

The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 on Route 33 in Monroe County, as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother, Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.

“Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller. “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. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.”

“Using a mobile device while driving — whether to text, talk, browse, or type — creates a serious safety risk,” said PSP Troop R Community Services Officer Trooper First Class Robert Urban. “A moment of distraction can have devastating consequences for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the roadway.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2025, there were 9,419 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 5,500 injuries and 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.

If you are the driver, follow 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 access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in a location that is inaccessible until you arrive at your destination.

Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. Drivers’ behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the fatal crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania.

For information on distracted driving, visit www.pa.gov/dotsafety.