1 week Ago By Jen Garofalo
Drivers of a certain age might recall the days before cellphones encroached on our lives. It was an era free from constant communication with spouses, friends, co-workers and bosses. No text messages, no emails, no phone calls.
No calendar alerts pinging reminders of forgotten appointments. No scrolling Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform. To be sure, there were – and still are – plenty of other distractions to divert the driver’s attention from the road: fumbling with radio controls, swatting the occasional bee that flies in through an open window, or quieting a couple of squabbling siblings in the backseat.
But none is quite as alarming as the one presented by the phone. The act of sending or reading a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for five seconds, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And at a speed of 55 mph, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Even more disturbing: Data compiled by the state Department of Transportation shows that 11,262 crashes involving distracted drivers in Pennsylvania in 2023 resulted in 65 deaths and nearly 6,700 injuries. And those figures are likely low due to the reluctance of many of the drivers to admit to being distracted. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and motorists are being reminded to put down their cellphones.
In addition to being unsafe, it soon will be illegal to use them while behind the wheel in Pennsylvania. With a law that prohibits texting while driving already on the books, Pennsylvania will become the 29th state to outright ban distracted driving starting June 5. Paul Miller’s Law will prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving, and that includes during stops at red lights, temporary traffic stoppages or any other momentary delays.
The law does permit the use of phones to alert emergency responders, make calls, use GPS or listen to music if using hands-free technology. For the first year the law takes effect, offenders will be granted a reprieve and be given a warning. In 2026, the violation will be treated as a summary offense, and will carry a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
Paul Miller Jr., for whom the bill is named, was killed in 2010 when a distracted motorist reached for their phone while driving in Monroe County. Since then, Miller’s mother has pushed for stronger laws targeting distracted driving.
“Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” Miller said. “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.
” Next time you get behind the wheel, stash your device out of sight. Resist the urge to send a text, check messages or scroll social media. If the message or call just can’t wait, pull over and park in a safe spot before picking up the phone.
Look at it as an opportunity to disconnect and take a respite from the day’s demands – and distractions. Lives – including your own – depend on it..
