The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and state and local law enforcement are teaming up over the holiday weekend to crack down on alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is ramping up nationally, increasing checkpoints and roving patrols across the state.
PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick says the holiday excitement often leads to bad decisions behind the wheel.
“It’s unfortunately the case that too many people will turn to excessive alcohol use, or, in some cases, illicit drug use as part of celebrating a holiday”.
The last major holiday of the summer is often reason to get out and celebrate, he said, which can mean driving longer distances. An impaired driver poses a risk to themselves and others on the road. This means a designated driver is always imperative, Kirkpatrick said.
“Once you’re behind the wheel, you have an awesome responsibility to pay attention to the road in front of you, to make sure that you’re not driving impaired or you’re not driving distracted.”
PennDOT data shows that there has been a statewide decrease in alcohol-related crashes, from 11,023 in 2013 to 10,586 in 2014. Kirkpatrick said he can't pinpoint the exact reason for the decline, but hopes the educational and enforcement measures implemented throughout the state have helped.
“Obviously we cannot rest on our laurels; we have to continually push messages, push the enforcement, again, to persuade people to do the right thing.”
PennDOT sponsors a website for Pennsylvania drivers, which details traffic safety initiatives and tips for safe driving practices.
An intoxicated driver who gets caught can expect a license suspension and fine of between $500 and $5,000.
