Latest news with #PaulMillerLaw
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Erie law enforcement express importance of new Paul Miller law
A new law banning handheld cell phone use while driving, known as 'Paul Miller's Law,' will take effect in Pennsylvania on June 5. The legislation, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, aims to reduce distracted driving incidents by prohibiting the use of any handheld devices while operating a vehicle. This law is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., who tragically lost his life in a distracted driving accident in 2010. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know Under the new law, drivers will be prohibited from using handheld devices even when stopped at a red light or stop sign. For the first year, law enforcement officers will issue written warnings to violators. However, starting June 6, 2026, officers will begin issuing summary citations. Rick Lorah, Deputy Chief of Police in the City of Erie, emphasized the importance of the law, stating, 'It's just not worth it, that text message is not worth your life and that text message is not worth the life of another.' Millcreek Township Chief of Police Carter Mook expressed support for the law, noting that it will aid enforcement efforts by eliminating previous exceptions that made it difficult to regulate phone use while driving. Presque Isle beaches named among most underrated in the US The law allows for emergency calls and the use of hands-free technology, providing some flexibility for drivers who need to communicate while on the road. With the implementation of 'Paul Miller's Law,' Pennsylvania aims to enhance road safety by curbing distracted driving, potentially saving lives and preventing accidents. As the law takes effect, drivers are encouraged to adopt safer practices, such as using hands-free devices or designating a passenger to handle phone communications. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Erie DMV hosting REAL ID event with deadline now passed
(WJET/WFXP)– With the REAL ID deadline in the rearview mirror, Erie's DMV will be hosting a REAL ID event for residents who still need to get theirs. After seeing a good turnout at previous events across the Commonwealth, PennDOT will be hosting the event on Monday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Erie DMV. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know At the last round of events held across Pennsylvania, PennDOT said more than 7,000 people got their REAL ID and that nearly 60,000 people have gotten theirs from events like this. During these events, staff members focus solely on getting REAL IDs processed with attendees required to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of current PA address, and proof of all legal name changes if applicable. Getting a REAL ID also comes with a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee, the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID. PA Game Commission reminds residents to leave young animals alone REAL ID, or another form of federally accepted ID like passports, will be needed to do things like board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases or enter some federal facilities now that the May 7 deadline has passed. 'We're always looking to ensure we provide the best possible customer service to Pennsylvanians,' said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. 'Whether you're traveling soon or just want the peace of mind of having your REAL ID, our dedicated staff is making it as easy as possible for people who want a REAL ID to get one.' PennDOT also said anyone who got their first driver's license, learner's permit or photo ID card after Sep. 1, 2003, may have their REAL ID documents online already. They can apply for REAL ID and order their REAL ID online here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘It has to be taken seriously' — New PA law will soon impact drivers
A bipartisan bill known as Paul Miller's Law will further ban distracted driving throughout Pennsylvania. Starting June 5, law enforcement can pull over drivers spotted with a mobile phone in their hands while behind the wheel. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know That includes not just when your car is in motion, but if you're at also if you're at a red light or stop sign. For the first year of enforcement, drivers will only be given a written warning. PSP warns of potential traffic delays caused by motorcade on Friday But after that, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, along with court costs and fees. 'Everybody thinks, 'I'm just going to look down at my phone, or I'm just going to send a quick text, nothing could happen,' but that's exactly when things do happen. It is distracted driving, and we don't want anybody distracted when they're on the road,' said Elizabeth Hirz, Erie County District Attorney. 'And we want to make sure that they understand that this is something people can't be casual about, and it has to be taken seriously.' According to the law, the only time you're permitted to use your device in your vehicle is when you're fully pulled over and your car is stationary when using your phone. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FirstEnergy helicopter crews inspecting thousands of miles of power lines
(WJET/WFXP)– You may notice more helicopters in the area flying relatively low in the coming months, as FirstEnergy begins its powerline inspections ahead of the summer. FirstEnergy helicopter crews will be inspecting more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines across Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to identify any issues in need of repairs and avoid potential outages. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know During these, chopper crews will be flying relatively close to powerlines at about 25-35 mph and using infrared and UV cameras on them to find 'hot spots' or overheated parts or voltage issues that need repairs, along with any other issues. According to a release, these inspections are part of a four-year, $28 billion investment plan to keep up with energy demands, with inspections already underway in the following areas: Ohio – 1,046 miles of power lines, with nearly 64% completed. Pennsylvania – 2,220 miles of lines, with about 50% completed. New Jersey – 630 miles of lines, with about 42% completed. West Virginia & Maryland – 648 miles of lines, with about 20% completed. Penelec completes system upgrades for Venango, Crawford Counties 'The transmission system is the first line of defense in preventing power outages because it supplies the electricity that flows into substations and along power lines to every single one of our customers. This work supports the vast investments we're making to strengthen our power system to meet the country's growing energy needs,' said Mark Mroczynski, president of FirstEnergy Transmission. The inspections are done every four years with all of FirstEnergy's subsidiary companies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City officials commit to resuming talks on Erie Zoo ownership transfer
Tuesday, we told you conversations surrounding the Erie Zoo and a potential partnership with Erie Events had stalled as the situation gets more and more urgent for the future of the zoo. But on Wednesday, city government officials said they'll resume meetings on the issue as soon as this week and remain committed to finding a solution. Erie Zoo asks city to transfer 106 acre property to Erie Events Tuesday morning, the president and CEO of the zoo, along with other supporters, advocated for the transition of ownership before city council and the mayor's administration. Advocates of action involving the Erie Zoo are feeling hopeful after hearing from public officials at Wednesday morning's Erie City Council meeting. We reported on Tuesday that conversations surrounding a transfer of land ownership to Erie Events had fizzled out, but parties are agreeing to come back to the table. 'The comments we were hearing from city council and the administration today were very encouraging. It shows that people are willing to come to the table to discuss and find that path forward. We have presented a very clear and viable solution and it's great that we're hearing comments that people want to come to the table to continue those discussions,' said Roo Kojancie, president & CEO of the Erie Zoo. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know The proposition requests that 106 acres of land be sent to Erie Events at no cost. It includes the Glenwood Golf Course, ice arena, Glenwood Park, horseshoe pits, and the Marsh Street areas. Zoo advocates said it's needed to improve the size of the land-locked zoo for years to come, but also to earn back accreditation. 'To be able to expand the zoo up to about 30 acres would allow us to expand some of the exhibits that we have at the zoo, and be able to not only meet AZA standards, but also exceed those standards,' Kojancie said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News But asking for all of the adjacent property is deemed risky by the city. . . Saying they need to do their diligence with these public assets before committing to this. 'Anytime you transfer that property, you lose that control. I'm not saying anybody has bad intentions; that's not at all the case. It's just that city council and the mayor are treading very carefully,' Edward Betza, the City of Erie Solicitor, explained. 'We would need to have some protections as to know what would happen. Also, what happens if it doesn't work financially?' After a spotlight was put on the situation, both the city solicitor as well as the mayor's staff said they're scheduling meetings with board members of the zoo and Erie Events representatives to work on an agreement. 'The zoo is doing everything it can to keep its head above water. The staff are working above and beyond and going above and beyond for the animals and to make sure that the region has this great asset,' Erie City Council Member Tyler Titus went on to say. Lawsuit moves forward against Project NePTWNE lease Zoo officials said they've been operating on a shoestring budget for years now and are confident that Erie Events can help them develop a stronger infrastructure and long-term strategic support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/
