Police To Step Up Patrols Over Holiday Weekend

Provided by PennDOT:

PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police and local police are partnering to help decrease impaired driving and aggressive behaviors through the Independence Day holiday weekend.

“No matter what day the holiday falls on, PennDOT urges Pennsylvanians to avoid distractions, aggressive behaviors and impaired driving,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “If you plan to celebrate this weekend, remember to designate a sober driver so we can all get to our destinations safely and are able to spend time with family and friends.”

Last year, there were 326 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 11 fatalities from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, July 6. This marked an increase from 2013, when there were 256 alcohol-related crashes and 11 fatalities in the holiday time period. Also, during the holiday period last year, there were 85 drug-related crashes and four fatalities, an increase from 69 drug-related crashes and four fatalities in 2013.

Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on speeders, aggressive drivers and those who drink and drive during the holiday weekend.

“Take a few seconds to make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up,” said acting State Police Commissioner Marcus L. Brown. “And please, don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. It makes no sense to gamble with your life and the lives of others.”

As part of this high visibility impaired-driving enforcement effort, State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols. This effort is funded through PennDOT’s statewide distribution of more than $4.7 million in federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The public can join the conversation on Twitter by using #drivesober and #designateddriver.