SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — As families prepare to gather in thanks, and many start to create their Christmas lists, Lackawanna County officials warn against losing focus of what’s important: safety.
The Lackawanna County Highway Safety Department, in conjunction with PennDOT hosted a holiday public safety conference at Giseinger CMC on Monday morning.
The conference focused on the choices drivers make when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
That choice could be the difference between life and death, according to Shawn Noonan, regional program administrator for the Pennsylvania DUI Association.
“It’s not something we’re forced to do. I want people to realize that $12 of $15 cost of a rideshare is worth it upfront to prevent you from a lifetime of consequences,” he said.
A lifetime of consequences, and a hefty bill.
“The signs used to be out there saying, ‘DUI, you can’t afford it.’ Safely, you’re looking at $25,000 for your average DUI arrest,” said Noonan.
Driving under the influence includes more than just driving drunk.
“With medical marijuana becoming prevalent, and some of the other prescription substances out there that people are using to treat certain medical conditions. People don’t realize the hazards of driving on the medication they take all day,” said Noonan.
Drunk and high drivers aren’t the only ones making poor decisions on the road, as Eileen Miller knows all too well.
Over a decade ago, Miller’s son Paul was killed by a distracted semi-truck driver.
“I have an empty seat at my table. I don’t have my son with me because of somebody else’s actions,” said Miller.
Since his death, Miller has advocated for safety on the road, recently finding success in the passing of “Paul Miller’s Law.”
The law prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, even at red lights and stop signs.
“While you look down at that last text, that last phone call, whatever is in your brain, when you look back up, it’s like 37 seconds go by and you’re thinking about that last text, you’re not focused on the road. That’s when a child could run out in front of your car or the light could change and you pull out,” said Miller.
This will be the first Thanksgiving weekend will Paul Miller’s Law in place, and Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher says they will be increasing law enforcement efforts and DUI patrols.