(File Photo of Someone Texting while Driving)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania transportation and law enforcement officials are urging motorists to avoid distracted, impaired and aggressive driving as the state prepares for a busy summer travel season and several major events expected to draw millions of visitors.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently launched the summer safety campaign, citing increased traffic expected from events including the FIFA World Cup 26, the MLB All-Star Game and America250 celebrations.

Officials also reminded drivers that beginning June 5th, motorists convicted of violating Paul Miller’s Law, Pennsylvania’s ban on using a hand-held device while driving, will face a $50 fine in addition to court costs and fees.

State police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct impaired-driving checkpoints and roving patrols beginning June 15th through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

According to PennDOT, there were 2,190 impaired-driving crashes across Pennsylvania between June and August 2025, resulting in 85 fatalities and 1,552 injuries. During the same period, 952 crashes involving speeding resulted in 61 deaths and 818 injuries.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll urged motorists to put away their phones, obey speed limits and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.