A driver adjusts the volume on their car radio.
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Pennsylvania Safety Experts Urge Caution on Roads This Summer
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Asia Tabb
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A driver adjusts the volume on their car radio.
Aired; June 26th, 2025.
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.
As vacation season heats up, safety officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to travel smart, buckle up, and never drive impaired — especially with increased traffic expected around the July 4th holiday.
In a recent conversation on The Spark, Kelly Whitaker with the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) outlined critical safety tips and state efforts to reduce crashes this summer.
“PA TIPP is part of the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and we’re lucky enough to be funded by PennDOT,” said Whitaker. “Our primary goal is to keep kids under 21 safe while they’re traveling — whether it’s bike safety, pedestrian safety, teen driving safety, or occupant protection in cars.”
With summer in full swing, Whitaker emphasized why this time of year demands extra vigilance: “People are taking to the roadways with vacations… it’s a good time to remind families to check car seats, booster seats, and to buckle up — every single time.”
She also pointed to a growing trend in RV travel, which presents unique safety challenges for young passengers. “RVs are great because you have your traveling hotel. But they’re not always made with child safety in mind for traveling,” she said. She recommends using towable RVs, bringing a second vehicle, or ensuring children ride in seats specifically designed to hold car seats.
The discussion comes as PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police launch a Fourth of July impaired driving campaign. “There is going to be more enforcement out there,” Whitaker said. “They’ll be using variable message boards to remind drivers about our hands-free laws and that law enforcement is out making sure people aren’t driving distracted or under the influence.”
Another major safety improvement this year is the implementation of Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving — even at stoplights. “This is a really exciting law for Pennsylvania… a cell phone in your hand is a distraction, period,” Whitaker said. “This law gives us a solid backbone and will really make a difference — and hopefully save lives.”
As summer travel picks up, officials hope drivers keep these simple steps in mind — and remember that a few minutes of preparation can prevent lifelong consequences.
