est Jefferson West Jefferson Hills Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
CHIEF RON DZIEZGOWSKI
A Letter from Chief Ron Dziezgowski
Paul Miller ’ s Law Prohibiting Use of Interactive Mobile Devices
Hello Jefferson Hills ,
As you know from my previous articles , traffic safety remains a primary focus for the Jefferson Hills Police . To that end , I would like to bring to your attention a new law prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving , known as Paul Miller ’ s Law . This law , recently signed by Governor Josh Shapiro , is named after Paul Miller , who was tragically killed in 2010 in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer caused by a distracted driver . The operator of the commercial vehicle was on his cell phone at the time he lost control , crossed the median , and caused the collision that led to Paul Miller ’ s death .
This law , effective June 5 , 2025 , grants law enforcement the authority to stop a vehicle if the driver is observed using a cell phone while driving . Warnings will be issued for the first year , from June 5 , 2025 , to June 5 , 2026 , to give motorists time to adjust to the new law . Beginning June 6 , 2026 , violations will be subject to a $ 50 fine , plus additional costs .
Prohibited behavior includes holding a phone , dialing with more than one button , or reaching for a device in a way that requires becoming unseated or unbuckled . Exceptions to this law apply to drivers communicating with law enforcement or emergency services to prevent injury to persons or property , as well
as to those who have pulled safely out of the flow of traffic to use their devices .
In 2024 , the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation ( PennDOT ) reported that distracted driving was the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania , with traffic deaths rising by 2.25 % compared to 2022 . The goal of this law is to reduce distractions so drivers can concentrate on the road and navigate any obstacles safely .
I encourage all parents to discuss this new law with their drivingage children and to explain the dangers associated with distracted driving . It ’ s also essential that we , as parents , set a good example for young drivers by adhering to this law and refraining from using hand-held devices while driving .
Finally , as the holiday season approaches , I ’ d like to remind everyone that the Jefferson Hills Police Department will again host its annual Toy Drive in partnership with JHFR . Beginning November 1 , 2024 , donations of new , unopened toys , gift certificates , and monetary contributions will be accepted at the police department through December 13 , 2024 . Your ongoing support and generosity for this worthy cause are much appreciated . Any resident in need of assistance this holiday season may contact JHPD Clerk Tara Revis at trevis @ jeffersonhills . net . Donations will be distributed the week of December 16 , 2024 , just in time for Christmas .
If you ever have a question or concern , the JHPD is always available and ready to assist . Have a safe and joyous holiday season . Thank you and God Bless !
Chief Ron Dziezgowski
52 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS