WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) officials are promoting safe driving ahead of the holiday weekend. They took part on Wednesday in a Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement event in West Hazleton.
The initiative aims to emphasize the life-saving importance of wearing a seat belt while traveling on Pennsylvania roadways.
According to PennDOT data in 2024, there were 1127 roadway fatalities in Pennsylvania, with 311 involving unbelted occupants.
"Remember, a crash can happen even when you're driving slowly or close to your destination. Taking simple precautions such as buckling up can make a significant difference for you and your loved ones while traveling and arriving safely," PennDOT Safety Press Officer Liz Fabri stated.
The Click It or Ticket campaign runs through June 1.
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On hand at the PennDOT event was Eileen Miller of Scranton. Her son, Paul, was killed after being hit by a distracted tractor-trailer driver.
Miller has been an advocate for Paul Miller's Law, which brings tougher penalties for distracted driving.
The new law prohibits the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving.
"Nobody wants to be like me and have two state troopers coming to knock on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by something so preventable. We do not want people drinking and driving. We do not want them driving high. We do not want them speeding, and we want them to all buckle up, and we all wanted them to stay off their phones," Eileen said.
Paul Miller's Law takes effect on June 5.
The first year is just warnings. After that, violators will get a $50 fine.
Eileen has been fighting for Paul's Law for more than a decade.
