In three months, Pennsylvania will be implementing “Paul Miller’s Law,” which prohibits, as a primary offense, any driver from using an interactive mobile device while driving. In preparation for the new law, which begins enforcement June 5, officials from PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Oil City Police Department, and the Highway Safety Network hosted an event last week at Oil City High School in Venango County to educate drivers on the consequences of distracted driving.

“The list of potential distractions while driving is nearly limitless. Actions such as adjusting your music or eating a meal on the go might seem harmless, but they are life-threatening when you do them while operating a motor vehicle,” said Highway Safety Network Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Mike Tautin.

According to PennDOT data, there were 11,262 crashes statewide involving a distracted driver in 2023, resulting in 65 fatalities. In the northwest region, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties, there were 540 distracted driving crashes and six fatalities.

Violations during the first 12 months will result in a written warning. On June 5, 2026, the penalty for violations will be elevated to a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

Currently, Pennsylvania enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using interactive mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion.

To help avoid distractions from cell phones while driving, PennDOT offers the following tips for motorists:

— If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.

— Ask a passenger to serve as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

— To resist the urge to look at your phone, place it in the trunk, the glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

— Put your phone in “driving mode” and enable auto-replies to text messages to inform others that you are driving and will respond when it is safe to do so.

Life today is full of distractions. We need far fewer when operating a motor vehicle.