Paul Miller’s Law
On June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania’s long-awaited hands-free driving law, Paul Miller’s Law, officially went into effect. The law prohibits drivers from holding or handling their phones while behind the wheel—even when stopped at red lights. Named for Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old killed by a distracted driver, this new law is the result of more than a decade of advocacy by his mother, Eileen Miller, who turned unimaginable grief into unwavering purpose.
A Step Forward for Safer Roads
The law aligns Pennsylvania with over 30 other states that require phones to be used only in hands-free mode. While enforcement will not begin until June 5, 2026, drivers now have a full year to adjust their habits. Those who continue to use their phones behind the wheel after the enforcement date will face a $50 fine.
Laws like these are proven to help. In states with similar laws, distracted driving has dropped by 5 to 11 percent. But as Joel Feldman, founder of End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org), explained in a recent Newsweek article, legislation alone will not solve this problem.
“We should see a 5 to 11% decrease in distracted driving in Pennsylvania. That is a start,” said Feldman. “However, many Pennsylvanians, particularly teens, will still be injured or killed in preventable crashes.”
From Tragedy to Advocacy
Joel Feldman knows this heartbreak firsthand. His daughter, Casey Feldman, was just 21 years old when she was killed by a distracted driver while walking in a crosswalk. In the years since, Joel has spoken to tens of thousands of students, parents, and drivers across the country about how we can prevent similar tragedies.
As a personal injury attorney for more than 35 years, Feldman has represented many families devastated by distracted driving crashes in Pennsylvania.
“Distracted driving is selfish and disrespectful,” he said. “It goes against the values we claim to live by. We hate it when we see others driving distracted, yet we often do it ourselves.”
“If we thought more often about the example we want to set for our children, we would give up our distractions. We would drive in a way that reflects kindness, respect, and responsibility.”
We Each Have a Role to Play
This law represents more than a policy shift, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect one another on the road. That begins with the choices we make every day.
Here are a few ways to start:
- Obey the law. Go hands-free now, not later.
- Talk with your children. Model distraction-free driving and discuss the risks.
- Speak up as a passenger. Your voice could prevent a crash.
- Reflect on your values. Let them guide your driving.
Paul. Casey. And So Many Others.
Paul Miller’s Law honors one life lost. But his story is tragically not unique. Joel Feldman’s daughter, Casey, was also taken far too soon. And each year, thousands more lives are cut short or forever changed because of a moment of distraction behind the wheel.
Laws like Paul Miller’s are part of the solution, but they are not enough on their own. True change requires a culture shift. We must move beyond legal compliance and into a shared commitment to safety, empathy, and accountability.
Together, we can honor the lives of Paul, Casey, and others by changing the way we drive.
