Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, has announced his intention to sign a bill that will prohibit the use of cellphones while driving in the state. The bill, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly in Harrisburg on Wednesday, aims to tackle the growing issue of distracted driving.

Once the bill is signed into law, Pennsylvania will become the 26th state in the country to ban cellphone use while driving. All of Pennsylvania's border states already have similar legislation in place, making this a further step toward uniformity in the region.

The new law will see drivers facing a $50 fine for cellphone use while driving, after an initial 12-month warning period. Importantly, no points will be added to the offender's license as a result. The legislation also recognizes the importance of educating young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, as it encourages minors to learn about this topic during their driver's exams.

State Representative Ed Neilson, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, highlighted the significance of this bill. He emphasized that distracted driving now causes more crashes than driving under the influence, noting that harsh penalties were imposed on DUI offenses due to the recognized danger they posed.

The bill has also been referred to as "Paul Miller's Law," named after the son of Eileen and Paul Miller Sr. Tragically, Paul Miller Jr. lost his life when his car was struck by a distracted driver, injuring several others. The Miller family's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of cellphone use while driving.

It is worth noting that the new legislation does not completely ban cellphone use within vehicles. Drivers will still be allowed to make calls and send text messages using hands-free devices, as well as for emergency purposes.

Governor Josh Shapiro's decision to sign the bill aligns Pennsylvania with the majority of states across the country that have recognized the dangers of cellphone use while driving and taken steps to address the issue. With this legislation in place, it is hoped that the number of distracted driving incidents will decrease, making the roads safer for all motorists in the state.