This year, PennDOT is focusing on distracted driving, reminding people don’t text and drive, and about a new distracted driving law that takes effect later this year.

PennDOT says distracted driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving.

“If you’re texting or you’re looking down at something on your phone, a video, a message, whatever it might be, you’re taking your eyes off the road for a minimum of five seconds,” PennDOT spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler said. “So it’s the same thing as driving with your eyes closed. It’s something we want people to start thinking about.”

Under a new law that takes effect in June, police can issue warnings for drivers who are holding a mobile device while driving. After a year it’s a written fine.