Laws across the United States seem to be stricter than ever. Starting June 5, Pennsylvania drivers could be fined $50 on the spot if caught with their hands in the wrong place.
The new regulation, part of the incoming Paul Miller’s Law, aims to curb distracted driving by banning the use of handheld phones while behind the wheel, which has been a rising concern for citizens, regardless of whether the car is moving or stationary.
The only exceptions are for emergency 911 calls or using devices via Bluetooth or voice assistants. The Paul Miller Law is named after a 21-year-old boy of the same name who was killed in 2010 when a distracted truck driver reached for his phone and crashed into the deceased’s Toyota Corolla in northeastern Pennsylvania. The driver who killed Miller served just 17 months of a three-year sentence.
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As per The Sun, Paul’s mother, Elieen Miller, actively started working towards enforcing better driving laws after his death. “I never thought it would take over 12 years,” she said emotionally. “But I made a promise, and this is lifesaving legislation.” Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation supported Eileen Miller’s strong push for a law for drivers using phones while driving.
Reportedly, distracted driving was involved in more than 11,200 crashes in 2023. a number greater than those who were caught driving under the influence. (which is another headache altogether) In Pennsylvania, under the law, using electronics is punishable by a $50 fine plus additional court and administrative fees. For the first year, police will issue forewarnings rather than tickets to allow drivers time to adjust.
Also, many citizens assume distracted driving only refers to texting or calling; the definition is much broader. Activities such as eating, adjusting the radio or GPS, putting on makeup (influencers, please take notes; maybe those GRWM in the car should stop) or reaching for items can also divert a driver’s concentration from the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Connecticut Department of Transportation have urged people to keep their phones in Do Not Disturb mode or Driving mode, or in case of urgent calls, it’s best to pull over and do the needful or last resort. Pass the phone to a fellow passenger and let them handle it for you.
Paul Miller’s mother, Elieen, also described the bill as “lifesaving legislation” and urged drivers to be smart when they get behind the wheel. Consequently, besides Pennsylvania, other states like California and Colorado have also introduced stricter penalties and road laws.
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California’s daylighting law prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks—tougher penalties for street racing in California, updated child car seat rules in Colorado, express lane fines in Colorado, new rules for safety updates in Oregon, removal of vehicle inspection in Texas and alterations in speed limits in some other states.
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Paul Miller’s mom, Elieen Miller, declared that the government’s passing of Paul Miller’s Law has been a ‘huge’ step towards justice for the young boy who lost his life. However, the mother added that there’s still a long way to go in ensuring complete terms of safety and cooperation from the citizens.
