As PennDOT recognizes April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, they along with other agencies are reminding people that a law signed last year concerning cell phone use behind the wheel will go into effect in a few months.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37, also known as Paul Miller’s Law, into effect on June 5th of last year. It is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving.
The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped due to a red light, stop sign or other momentary delay. The exceptions include notifying emergency officials. They can use the phone if they are using a hands-free device to make calls, use a GPS app or listen to music. Pennsylvania already has a texting-while-driving ban in effect. The law will go into effect June 5th of this year.
PennDOT, State Police, the Turnpike Commission and the state insurance department are sharing resources to encourage safe driving not just during this month but year-round.
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