State, Local Authorities Warn Drivers To Be Safe Over Memorial Day

May 23, 2022

District Attorney Matt Weintraub speaking Monday.
Credit: PennDOT

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub had a message for drivers: don’t drive intoxicated and operate a vehicle safely.

Weintraub made his message clear Monday while standing with PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, TMA Bucks, and Newtown Township police.

“As we approach Memorial Day weekend, a day to honor our nation’s heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we want to remind everyone to be safe,” the district attorney said. “Everyone should enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, but please do it without putting yourself and others in danger by getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The message came ahead of the long Memorial Day weekend and the summer season, which often comes with plenty of celebrations.

“If you plan to drink, have a sober driver to take you home or consider using a rideshare program,” Weintraub said. “If it is your turn to be the designated driver, do not consume alcohol and take the role seriously.”

“If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home and don’t let them get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. Drunk driving is one of the deadliest and most often committed crimes, yet it’s one of the most preventable,” he added.

Officials at the awareness event.
Credit: TMA Bucks

PennDOT officials said the warm weather season typically comes with an increase in DUI arrests and deaths.

Data from PennDOT showed there was 310 crashes and three fatalities in the Philadelphia region over the Memorial Day travel period. Among those 310 wrecks, 27 crashes and three fatalities were related to intoxicated driving.

State and local police will be ramping up enforcement on Bucks County roadways.

Over the holiday weekend, police will “focus on people who drive dangerously, such as speeding. In addition, they will look out for seat belt violations and drivers who text or commit other careless acts behind the wheel. The state’s legal blood alcohol limit is .08, so watch that beer or alcohol intake unless you’ve arranged for a way to get home safely,” according to authorities.

“We honor those who have sacrificed their lives during the Memorial Day holiday,” said Newtown Police Chief John Hearn. “Let us return the favor while driving a motor vehicle.”

TMA Bucks will begin distributing “Don’t Drink and Drive” coasters to restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries in the county through its Community Traffic Safety Program.

The goal is to get the message in front of drivers before they make the decision to drive intoxicated.

The coasters that will be handed out.
Credit: TMA Bucks

“We really feel that these coasters can serve as a simple reminder for people out enjoying themselves throughout Bucks County to keep traffic safety at the top of their minds when getting behind the wheel,” said TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program manager Carly Mannon. “We want people to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person quickly. If you have to do something to make yourself okay to drive, you’re not okay to drive.”

Police had simple and important messages for the community at Monday’s awareness event:

Multi-tasking is good at times – but NOT when you’re driving. Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
Slow down! Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.
Wear your seat belt!
Don’t operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Arrive safely!