WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Rosemary Brown announced on Thursday that SB37, a legislation banning the use of cellular and other handheld devices while driving, has been approved by the House of Representative’s Transportation Committee.
Brown, R-Monroe Township, is the main sponsor of the bill.
“Using cellphones has become a consistent and addictive distraction for drivers, creating a significant public safety concern for our roads,” Brown said. “I appreciate the bipartisan support of the House Transportation Committee for this bill as we work together to prevent crashes from distracted driving. I am committed to promoting a safer Pennsylvania. This bill aims to encourage drivers to change their behavior without harming them.”
Brown stated that Senate Bill 37 increases driver responsibility by prohibiting the handheld use of cell phones or other communication devices while driving on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway. Drivers can still use these devices, but it must be through Bluetooth technology or a speaker phone.
“The message is clear — stop using the cellphone,” Brown said.
The bill is now moving to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Brown urges Pennsylvania residents to contact their local representatives in the House of Representatives to express support for this life-saving legislation.
Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, praised the successful approval of SB 37, also known as “Paul Miller’s Law,” by the House of Representatives Transportation Committee.
Flynn mentioned that the legislation aims to strengthen distracted driving laws in Pennsylvania.
Flynn expressed gratitude to his colleagues across the General Assembly for their support and commitment to advancing road safety initiatives. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to reduce traffic accidents and protect the lives of Pennsylvania residents.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote safer roads and prevent senseless tragedies caused by distracted driving,” Flynn said. “Senate Bill 37, or Paul Miller’s Law, reflects our commitment to enacting meaningful reforms that prioritize public safety. In 2022, there were more deaths due to distracted driving than there were due to impaired driving. By addressing the dangers of distracted driving and improving law enforcement practices, we are taking decisive action to save lives and make our communities safer.”
The legislation, named in honor of Paul Miller, a victim of a distracted driving accident, underscores the human toll of irresponsible behaviors behind the wheel. Flynn reiterated his dedication to advocating for policies that honor Miller’s memory and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
With the approval of “Paul Miller’s Law,” Flynn said Pennsylvania takes a significant step forward in ensuring safer roads for all residents. Flynn urged the House of Representatives to vote on this important legislation, with the hope that the bill will eventually reach the desk of Gov. Josh Shapiro. Pennsylvania would become the 27th state to ban the use of handheld devices while driving.
Eileen Woelkers Miller, who is Paul Miller’s mother, has been working hard to support the passing of a law that would seriously deal with and, hopefully, prevent distracted driving. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the legislation.
Miller and her husband, Paul Miller Sr., tragically lost their son, Paul Jr., on July 5, 2010, when a driver who was distracted lost control of his truck and crashed head-on into Paul Jr.’s car, resulting in his death and the injury of several others in another vehicle.
“I wish I could reveal my emotions so they could see how much my heart is shattered because I will never have the chance to embrace my son, talk to him, see him get married, or have children,” Miller, who resides in Scranton, expressed in December 2023. “If they could actually see how I feel. My son's death was caused by something as preventable as distracted driving. I really do not want anyone else to experience this. The pain of losing a child is felt every day — I just don't want it to happen to anyone else.”
