In the ongoing effort to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities, Pennsylvania has introduced a groundbreaking new law aimed at curbing distracted driving. Signed into law on June 5, 2025, Paul Miller’s Law takes a significant step toward addressing the growing problem of distracted driving, which has become one of the leading causes of accidents across the United States. The law is named after Paul Miller, a local advocate whose personal tragedy helped inspire the legislation.
The law, which restricts the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, is designed to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths and over 400,000 injuries in the U.S. in 2024 alone. In Pennsylvania, the problem has reached alarming levels, with the state consistently ranking among the top ten in terms of distracted driving accidents.
Paul Miller’s story is at the heart of the new law. In 2022, Miller’s daughter, Emily, was tragically killed in a car accident caused by a driver who was texting while behind the wheel. The accident, which took place on a busy highway near Pittsburgh, deeply affected the Miller family and galvanized Paul to take action. As a result, Miller began campaigning for stricter laws to combat distracted driving, calling for stronger enforcement and higher penalties for violators.
“Too many lives are being lost because people can’t put down their phones for just a few minutes,” Miller said in a public statement following the passage of the law. “This law is a step in the right direction, but we need to continue to educate drivers and hold those who endanger others accountable.”
The new law makes it illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. This includes texting, browsing the internet, and making phone calls unless the driver is using a hands-free device. The law also imposes significant fines for violators, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders. Drivers who are caught using their phones in an active construction zone face even steeper fines and potential license suspensions.
One of the key features of the law is its emphasis on public education and awareness. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has launched a statewide campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and the penalties for violating the new law. The campaign includes television ads, social media outreach, and informational brochures distributed at DMV offices and other public locations.
While the law has garnered widespread support, there are also some concerns about its implementation. Some critics argue that the law may be difficult to enforce, particularly in rural areas where police officers may not always be able to observe drivers’ phone use. Others have expressed concerns about the fairness of the penalties, particularly for those who may be using their phones for navigation purposes or emergency calls.
However, proponents of the law argue that its passage marks a significant step in the right direction toward improving road safety in Pennsylvania. By taking a firm stance against distracted driving, lawmakers hope to send a clear message to drivers that the state is committed to reducing accidents and saving lives.
The law is already being hailed as a model for other states to follow. Many experts believe that this legislation could be a turning point in the battle against distracted driving, particularly as more states grapple with the increasing prevalence of smartphones and other distractions on the road.
In the coming months, Pennsylvania officials will be closely monitoring the implementation of the law and its impact on traffic safety. Early reports suggest that awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is on the rise, and many drivers are already making a concerted effort to put down their phones while driving.
