Multi-Agency DUI Checkpoint Planned For St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

March 16, 2022

File photo
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Levittown-area police are taking part in a multi-agency St. Patrick’s Day weekend DUI enforcement effort.

Bristol Township police will be joining officers from Bensalem Township, Hilltown Township, Newtown Borough, Plumstead Township, and Warrington Township during the checkpoint this Friday through Saturday.

Warrington Township police announced the checkpoint will take place along Route 611 in Central Bucks County.

The checkpoint will be in operation from 10 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday.

Officers from the seven departments will be stopping vehicles along both directions of the road and checking drivers for signs of impairment.

The cost of the checkpoint to police departments is funded by a grant through PennDOT.

In addition to the multi-agency checkpoint, Pennsylvania State Police will also being on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.

“Whether you will be gathering with friends at a house party or on a pub crawl, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver, consider rideshares such as with Lyft or Uber, or take public transportation to ensure you get home safely,” said Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Drunk driving is 100 percent preventable. Have a plan to ensure you and everyone else on the roadways arrive home safely. There’s no excuse. Don’t be that person.”

“If you’re the designated driver, make sure you don’t drink so you can keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. So, take the role of a designated driver seriously – people are relying on you,” said Krys Johnson, PennDOT Safety Press Officer.

According to preliminary PennDOT data from the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 12 and running through 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, there were 213 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in nine fatalities.

Before ever heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Follow these tips to ensure everyone’s safety:

Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Designated drivers should refrain from drinking any alcohol as impairment begins with the first drink. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

Do you have a friend who has been drinking and is about to drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Pedestrians are reminded to practice safe behaviors, including designating a “sober walker” to ensure all parties safely make it to their destination.