Aggressive driving enforcement wave across PA now through April 26, coordinated operation with NJ on April 14.
Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) gathered today with transportation officials and advocates at the Walt Whitman Bridge in south Philadelphia to urge safe driving and kick off a statewide aggressive driving enforcement wave, now through April 26. Enforcement will focus on speeding, distracted driving, and work zone awareness. Drivers exhibiting other unsafe behaviors, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or making careless lane changes, will also be cited.
The Shapiro Administration hosted the event along with New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, Delaware River Port Authority, and safety advocate Eileen Miller. Additionally, on April 14, agencies across both states will unite for a one-day operation. No matter where you drive, if you engage in aggressive driving, you will be stopped by the police.
"Keeping our roadways safe is truly a collective effort," stated PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "We're committed to reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, and stay distraction-free, while also encouraging everyone to remain calm and courteous on the road. Together, we can make a difference.”
In 2024, there were 5,897 aggressive-driving crashes, resulting in 106 fatalities and 405 suspected serious injuries. Preliminary 2025 data indicates fatalities in aggressive-driving crashes have increased, even while overall fatalities have decreased. Complete 2025 fatality data will be announced in the spring. Aggressive driving crashes involve at least two aggressive driving factors in the same crash. Factors include, but are not limited to, running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, careless turning or passing, and driving too fast for conditions.
Eileen Miller has dedicated the past 13 years to advocating for legislation to reduce cell phone use among drivers. Paul Miller’s Law prohibits Pennsylvania drivers from using handheld devices, including cell phones, while operating a vehicle. The law, which went into effect last June, directed police to issue warnings for a period of one year. Beginning June 5, 2026, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
The law is named after Paul Miller, Jr., a man from Scranton who died in July 2010 when a tractor-trailer driver lost control after reaching for his cell phone and crashed into Miller’s car.
“I don’t want any parent to ever have to go to a morgue to identify their child, by something so preventable,” said Eileen Miller. “I know that this piece of legislation is going to save lives, and that was the most important thing.”
“The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to enforcing laws against aggressive and distracted driving to reduce crashes and save lives,” said PSP Captain Jonathan Sunderlin. “Troopers will focus on drivers who are speeding, tailgating, not using turn signals, and driving while distracted. The Pennsylvania State Police is collaborating with law enforcement agencies across the state to ensure that this initiative is extensive and effective.”
PSP, along with approximately 300 municipal agencies, will utilize strategies such as traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional patrols to identify and cite aggressive drivers.
In partnership with the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, police departments across the Garden State will mirror the efforts made in Pennsylvania. Additional troopers will use radar and laser to enforce New Jersey’s speeding laws, look for drivers distracted by their cell phones, and enforce the Move Over Law through the end of April. They will be supported by municipal officers statewide participating in the initiative through the “Goal Zero” campaign, with additional coordinated enforcement on April 14.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips:
- Get out of their way and stay as far away as possible.
- Do not engage or challenge the driver in any way.
- Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
- Do not block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
- Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle.
- You or a passenger may call the police. But if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. If you can, note the license plate and a description of the car.
For more information on safe driving in Pennsylvania, visit pa.gov/dotsafety.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
The public can join the discussion on social media using the hashtags #BeSafePA and #AggressiveDriving.
Follow PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Kuntch, PennDOT, jkuntch@pa.gov
Krys Johnson, PennDOT, krysjohnso@pa.gov
Sgt. Logan Brouse, PSP, 717-783-5556 or ra-pspcomm@pa.gov
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