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Drivers and passengers react to new ‘Paul Miller Law' effective last week
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Drivers and some passengers are sharing their thoughts on the newest law in Pennsylvania, the Paul Miller Law.
Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro last year, the new hands-free law bans hand-held cell phone use while driving and increases transparency and accountability at traffic stops. It went into effect on Thursday, June 5.
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., a 21 year-old killed after a tractor-trailer driver who was reaching for his cell phone lost control and crashed head-on into Miller's car.
'It takes five seconds to crash and it's a split hot second,' Driver Jeanette Swabley said.
Paul Miller's Law also makes it illegal to use a cell phone even while stopped temporarily because of traffic or a red light.
Swabley also works as an LPN in an emergency room. She encourages her children and herself not to use phones while driving.
'I see what happens when you are a distracted driver and have an accident. So I would rather not see you there. So please stay off your phones,' Swabley said.
Aubree Bloom is working on getting her permit, so she can learn how to drive. Although she's not on the road yet, she thinks the law is a good idea, and drivers should ask the passenger to communicate for them.
'I feel like that people who are distracted by their phones have a better chance of getting involved in a crash, and like, you might they might get in an injury or maybe even death,' Bloom said.
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.
Savannah Metz rides in the passenger seat. She admits she's traveled in a car where someone has been distracted by their phone, but says it hasn't affected her.
'I think personally that it's okay because, like, what if you get a call and it's an emergency, and especially being like the parent of a child, I want to know if something's going on with my baby,' Metz said.
The law allows some exceptions for drivers, such as calling 911 to report an emergency or if a driver pairs their cell phone to Bluetooth or CarPlay. Drivers can also use their devices if the vehicle is safely pulled off the road and not moving.
Written warnings will be issued to drivers until June 5, 2026. After that date, violators will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
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