A new law in Pennsylvania called the ‘Paul Miller Law’ officially came into effect last week, and it’s already drawing a lot of attention from both drivers and passengers.
The law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a disabled vehicle with hazard lights on, even if it’s on the side of the road. This includes cars broken down on highways, not just emergency vehicles or tow trucks.
Named in honor of Paul Miller, who was struck and killed while helping someone on the road, the law aims to prevent similar tragedies. His family pushed hard for this law, hoping that it would make roads safer for everyone.
Now that the law is active, some people feel it’s a positive step towards safety. Drivers like Samantha Wolfe believe it’s important.
She says she understands what the family went through and hopes the law helps save lives. According to her, it’s just common sense to slow down when you see someone stranded on the side of the road.
Others, however, are worried about how realistic it is to follow the law at all times. Some drivers say it’s not always easy to switch lanes on a busy highway, especially if the traffic is heavy or someone is speeding behind you. They feel the law might cause sudden lane changes that could lead to accidents if drivers panic or react too quickly.
The law says drivers must move over one lane if they can do it safely. If not, they need to slow down to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
If the road only has one lane or traffic doesn’t allow a lane change, slowing down is the next best thing. Law enforcement officers are also giving people a short grace period to get used to the law before issuing fines.
Still, not everyone feels the law is getting enough attention. Some drivers claim they didn’t even know the law had started. They suggest more awareness campaigns, social media updates, and even signs on roads to remind people. Road safety experts agree that while the law is helpful, it will only work if people know it exists and follow it.
Paul Miller’s mother has been vocal about the emotional reasons behind the law. She says that if one life can be saved because of this law, then all the efforts they made will be worth it. Her family has turned a personal tragedy into a mission to protect others, and many people respect that.
Police departments across the state are now adjusting their patrol strategies. Officers will be watching to see if drivers follow the law.
For now, they are mostly issuing warnings and reminding drivers what they should do. However, fines will begin soon, and repeated violations could lead to higher penalties.
The ‘Paul Miller Law’ joins other state-level traffic safety efforts aimed at protecting roadside workers and stranded drivers. As with any new law, its impact will depend on how well the public understands and applies it in real life.
For now, the roads are a little safer, but much of the responsibility lies with drivers. Slowing down, paying attention, and showing caution when passing a stopped vehicle could make all the difference, not just legally, but in terms of saving lives.