CU Boulder’s Impressive Impact
Phi Kappa Psi’s Colorado Alpha Chapter has plenty to celebrate in honoring Connor’s memory. Over the past four years, brothers and volunteers have held annual distracted driving campaigns throughout campus and the community. Fundraisers including ‘Dares for Donations’, backyard barbecues, and Safe Driving Pledge tables have created a new level of awareness about this critical issue.
- More than $20,000 Raised to Further New Initiatives
- Signed Personal Pledges of 4,300+ and Counting…
- This Year’s 30-Member Pledge Class Expanded Efforts in Boulder
The University of Colorado chapter is also celebrating it’s growing partnership between Hunter’s Fund and Honor Connor to further strengthen national outreach. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Jerry Watson and the Hunter’s Fund organization for their leadership, vision, and unwavering support,” said David Thomson, founder of the Honor Connor Fund. “Together we are making a measurable difference in the lives of students and communities across the country.”
In the News
Hunter’s Fund Now Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity’s National Philanthropy!
Announced at this year’s Grand Arch Council, Phi Psi is marking a major leap in its fight against distracted driving. The collaboration has expanded to 22 more universities across the U.S. with a collective goal of gathering 400,000 Safe Driving Pledges! Read the full story…
Making a Difference State by State
2025 stricter hands-free distracted driving laws have been making a difference in states including Florida, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and South Carolina where it is now illegal to hold phones for any reason, not just texting. Police can pull drivers over without another violation. Colorado also implemented a hands-free law with fines and license points.
- Florida: Expanded to ban holding phones for any reason (calls, texts, etc.) and made it a primary offense, with fines increasing in school/construction zones (effective mid-2025).
- Colorado: Hands-free law started Jan 1, 2025, prohibiting holding phones and adding fines/points.
- Pennsylvania: Paul Miller's Law made handheld use a primary offense from June 5, 2025, meaning you can be stopped just for holding your phone.
- Iowa: Hands-free law began July 1, 2025, initially with warnings, banning holding devices.
- South Carolina: New Hands-Free Act expanded device use restrictions starting September 1, 2025.
- Alabama: Implemented further restrictions on mobile device use.
General Trends Across the Country for 2025:
- Shift to Primary Enforcement: More states allow officers to ticket drivers solely for handheld phone use.
- "Hands-Free" is Key: Laws increasingly focus on banning holding a device, requiring hands-free accessories for calls and apps.
- Stricter Penalties: Fines are rising, and license points are being added, with higher penalties for offenses in school/work zones.
- Banning Use While Stopped: Some laws, like Pennsylvania's, now cover handheld use even when stopped in traffic.
For the most detailed, up-to-date information, consult the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website or your specific State Highway Safety Office.
Take The Pledge for Yourself
Join us for this nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and eliminate preventable deaths and injuries on our roadways.