PennDOT, Shapiro Administration Expands Statewide Truck Parking Options Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association officials announced that the Commonwealth is adding 1,202 truck parking spaces in 133 locations by the end of 2026. In addition, the PA Turnpike is evaluating opportunities for more than 600 additional spaces across its system. This is the first statewide expansion of designated parking spaces other than through facility construction projects and will provide safe options for commercial drivers to meet federal hours-of-service rest requirements, helping to address a longstanding, nationwide challenge and improving driver safety. “Truck parking is a nationwide issue, and with the high volume of freight traffic coming through Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration knew that we needed to tackle this problem,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As a commercial driver’s license-holder myself, I know how important this commonsense approach is to our economy and workforce. By adding these spots – and looking at ways to add even more – we’re giving truckers many more options to safely park and meet their rest requirements.” PennDOT’s designated truck parking spots will be established on Interstate on-ramps with no sight distance or safety concerns, weigh stations used for PSP motor carrier safety enforcement, and various other locations within highway right of way. PennDOT and PSP staff collaborated closely to identify sites that can be designated quickly and cost-effectively. Spots will be marked with truck-parking signage installed by PennDOT. “This initiative directly supports our mission to ensure motor carrier safety by reducing driver fatigue and improving the overall safety of our highways,” PSP Director Bureau of Patrol Major Robert Krol said. “Safe, designated parking is essential for commercial drivers, and this effort represents a significant step forward in protecting everyone who travels on Pennsylvania’s roads.” As part of its ongoing investment to the trucking community, the PA Turnpike is evaluating the feasibility of additional spaces at various locations throughout its system, including emergency pull-offs, interchange on-ramps and service plaza on-ramps. Over the last two decades, the PA Turnpike has added parking where it can, investing more than $30 million to expand truck parking at numerous service plazas, including Sideling Hill, Lawn, Highspire, North Somerset and Stanton service plazas. As it converts to Open Road Tolling (ORT), the PA Turnpike is reviewing the reconfiguration of interchanges can create opportunities to provide additional spaces for truck parking. “The trucking community is essential to our mission of supporting national commerce,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions that address the increasing truck parking shortages along our system, and we take pride in collaborating with partners throughout the Commonwealth to enhance driver safety and improve logistics efficiency.” Due to its role supporting regional logistical operations, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the few toll roads that held – and grew – its commercial volumes from pre-pandemic levels. Systemwide, commercial traffic is 15% higher than pre-pandemic levels. To complement the added spaces and to share available their locations, PennDOT today unveiled a new “Public Truck Parking” option on www.511PA.com and the 511PA smartphone application. The map displays existing truck parking options and both agencies’ newly designated locations will be added as the parking becomes available. Truck parking concerns have been well documented, including through a study by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in 2023. This parking expansion addresses the study’s recommendation to “repurpose select state-owned surplus properties.” The action to expand parking builds on PennDOT’s work on other recommendations included in the TAC study. The department has established the Truck Parking Task Force, an ongoing collaboration with regional and municipal partners along high priority corridors identified in the study. Additionally, the department has engaged the trucking industry, municipalities, and planning partners to help promote and advance potential solutions at the local level. “Truck drivers are essential to keeping our economy moving, goods on our shelves, and food in our pantries — but they need safe places to stop and rest. With only one parking space for every 11 drivers on the road, too many truckers are forced to choose between breaking hours-of-service laws or stopping in unsafe locations. Every new space added to our highway network means one more trucker who has a safe and secure place to stop tonight. PMTA thanks PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission for their commitment to tackling this problem to help truck drivers and keep our roads safer for everyone,” PMTA President & CEO Rebecca Oyler said. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available online. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.
Shapiro Administration to Promote Safe Driving During Summer Travel Tomorrow, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) and Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) will gather to promote safe summer travel, urging motorists to follow traffic laws for the safety of all road users. The statewide Fourth of July impaired driving enforcement campaign began Monday and runs through July 6. WHO: Mike Carroll, Secretary, PennDOT Mark Compton, CEO, PA Turnpike Sgt. Logan Brouse, Communications Office Director, PSP Kelly Whitaker, Central Regional Coordinator, PA TIPP WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 18 at 1:00 PM WHERE: PA Turnpike TIP Building, 2850 Turnpike Industrial Drive, Middletown, PA. Event is outside, at the back of the main entrance parking lot. See map for details. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP with the name of reporter/photographer to morbanek@paturnpike.com.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Drivers to Put Down the Phone, ‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Signed by Governor Shapiro last year, the new hands-free law bans hand-held cell phone use while driving and increases transparency and accountability at traffic stops Today, in keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for “Paul Miller’s Law,” which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined Senator Rosemary Brown and national advocate Eileen Miller to urge drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law – known as “Paul Miller’s Law” – prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. “Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.” Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. “The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.” “Distracted driving is a serious issue that undermines PennDOT and the PA Turnpike’s collective effort to create safe driving experiences for our travelers,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Safety is the driving force of what we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Paul Miller Law is a meaningful step towards safer roads for everyone.” “Focusing on the road while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Safe driving can also help reduce the cost of your insurance as insurers factor your accident and driving history into their ratemaking. We encourage consumers to speak with their insurance provider to learn more about the benefits of safe driving, the discounts they could receive, and how they can start saving today.” “As the Prime-Sponsor of Senate Bill 37, now Act 18 of 2024, seeing this law go into effect is incredibly rewarding knowing it will save lives,” said State Senator Rosemary Brown (R- Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne). “Since day one I have always believed in this commonsense policy. It’s important that drivers remember that the cell phone has become the most consistent, repetitive, and lengthy distraction behind the driver’s wheel causing significant public safety concerns. This law will change behaviors and save lives. The legislature passed Senate Bill 37, now Act 18, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and I am confident that my efforts, along with the efforts of my friend Eileen Miller, have Pennsylvania going in the right direction for public safety.” The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving. “Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller, Jr.’s mother. “My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.” Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. This amendment – which the Governor advocated for in conjunction with the Legislative Black Caucus – builds on the Shapiro Administration’s work to ensure Pennsylvanians can have the utmost faith in the law enforcement officers serving and protecting them every day. According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 9,950 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported due to many drivers’ reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive: If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, or aggressive. For more information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
