Bill OBoyle: Paul Miller's Law really is about saving lives
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll this week said Paul Miller's Law is about saving lives.
Carroll is absolutely correct — if, and only if, people listen to what he said.
And to what Paul Miller Jr.'s mother has said over and over again since her son was killed as a result of a distracted driver.
And trust me on this, Eileen Miller's advocacy is not over — she will always fight to convince all drivers to not text and drive and she will also advocate for stronger penalties for those who refuse to comply.
"Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever," Carroll said. "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."
Paul Miller's Law takes effect on Thursday
,
June 5
— making it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024 — and now, one year later, Paul Miller's Law goes into effect to prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other momentary delay.
Under Paul Miller's Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and — if they are using hands-free technology — to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music.
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 his death, Paul's mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.
Listen to how this devastating news would inspire Paul's mom to become the loudest voice advocating for drivers to use common sense behind the wheel. She never wants any other parent to experience what she and her husband, Pail Sr., have endured.
"Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed," said Mrs. 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."
PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said the Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent.
"Distracted driving is not a minor offense," Col. Paris said. "Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel."
According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 9,950 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data, however, is believed to be under-reported due to many drivers' reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash.
Safe driving tips
—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 the trunk, glove box or back seat of your vehicle 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. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired or aggressive.
For information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
As Carroll said, and as Eileen Miller passionately believes, Paul Miller's law will save lives.
That should be enough for all drivers to obey this law.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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