HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are increasing impaired-driving enforcement ahead of the Labor Day holiday.
The statewide enforcement campaign began Wednesday and will continue through Monday, Sept. 7. State Police and municipal police departments will conduct additional enforcement details as part of a national campaign targeting impaired driving.
PennDOT and State Police said 8,658 crashes involving impaired drivers were reported in Pennsylvania last year, resulting in 258 fatalities and 881 suspected serious injuries.
Of those crashes, 7,166 involved a drinking driver and resulted in 180 deaths. Another 2,650 crashes involved a drugged driver and resulted in 132 fatalities.
During last year’s Labor Day weekend, Pennsylvania State Police made 538 DUI arrests and investigated 60 crashes involving impaired drivers. Three of those crashes were fatal.
The enforcement campaign includes drivers impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications, as well as combinations of substances.
Pennsylvania has approximately 250 Drug Recognition Experts who are specially trained to identify drivers who may be impaired by drugs and assist with DUI investigations.
PennDOT is also encouraging Labor Day travelers to check road conditions before leaving through 511PA. The free service provides traffic delay warnings, weather information, traffic speeds and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.
Beginning Aug. 31, 511PA will also provide historical holiday traffic information comparing traffic speeds during the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day in 2024 and 2025 with typical non-holiday traffic.
Officials are urging anyone planning to consume alcohol or other impairing substances to arrange for a designated driver, rideshare service or another safe way home rather than driving.
Discover more from UC Today Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
