April is recognized nationally as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and AAA Central Penn is reminding Central Pennsylvania motorists to stay focused on the road and follow safe driving tips and the law.
Distracted driving is defined by any activity that diverts attention away from the task of driving, and it is extremely dangerous. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed over 3,000 individuals in 2023. Distractions include cell phone use including texting, talking, email and social media; eating; applying makeup; and adjusting the radio.
AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that distracted and aggressive driving increased between 2019 and 2024, and the proportion of drivers with a distracted driving style rose slightly, peaking at 19% in 2023. They also found that nearly all drivers recognize the danger of using a mobile device with 97% identifying social media use as dangerous, 94% texting and emailing as dangerous, and 90% reading as dangerous. However, the report found many drivers still engage in these behaviors with 28% admitting to texting while driving, 37% read messages and 36% talk on a handheld phone.
AAA Central Penn reminds drivers that, in Pennsylvania, Paul Miller’s Law enacted in June 2025 prohibits the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. Drivers cannot hold or use a handheld cellphone, tablet or other electronic device for any interaction including texting, calling or browsing. The law not only covers active driving but includes driving while stationary at a red traffic light or stop sign.
AAA Central Penn offers these steps to reduce distracted driving risks:
- Stay Hands-free: Put phones away, set them to “Do not disturb,” or mount them to the dashboard for safe hands-free driving.
- Prepare for Travel: Set up hands-free driving prior to departure including setting up navigation for directions and music.
- Avoid Multitasking: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel by avoiding eating, drinking, and grooming such as applying makeup or shaving while driving.
- Secure Cargo and Passengers: Secure any cargo you are traveling with and secure children and pets with seat belts and car seats.
- Ask for Help, Be a Role Model: If traveling with passengers, ask for assistance to make any actions that require an electronic device. Displaying responsible driving to other passengers, especially teens and children, will help set the standard for safe driving practices.
- Stop and Park: If you must use a handheld device, safely exit the road and park in a designated area before use.
