HARRISBURG, PA — On Monday, state transportation and law enforcement leaders warned Pennsylvanians to expect heightened enforcement on the roads throughout the holiday season, launching a coordinated push to curb impaired driving, distracted driving, and unbuckled motorists after more than 1,100 crashes and 31 fatalities last year.
The campaign, part of the annual Operation Safe Holiday initiative, brings together PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. This year’s effort includes sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, hands-on traffic enforcement, and a renewed public push urging drivers to put the phone down, wear seat belts, and stay sober behind the wheel.
“These enforcement efforts are not about tickets, they are about saving lives,” said PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet. “Before hitting the road this holiday season, make a plan to get home safely. Designate a sober driver or plan to take a ride share. Put your phone down and always buckle up.”
Authorities said the timing could not be more critical. Last year’s travel period — spanning the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through January 2 — saw 857 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 18 deaths and 542 suspected serious injuries. Another 307 crashes involved drug impairment, causing 13 fatalities and 267 serious injuries.
State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said troopers will take a zero-tolerance approach. “We have zero tolerance for impaired driving. Always wear your seat belt, drive sober, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel,” Paris said.
Officials also highlighted Pennsylvania’s new hands-free law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, which bans holding a phone while driving — even when stopped in traffic. Drivers may still make calls and use navigation tools if both hands remain on the wheel. Attempting to text, scroll, or manually interact with a phone while driving remains illegal under both new and existing statutes.
With holiday travel expected to surge, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for one of its busiest stretches of the year. Roughly 3.4 million motorists are expected to use the Turnpike during the six-day Thanksgiving period alone. Heaviest traffic is anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday. Motorists in need of assistance can dial *11 to reach Turnpike operations directly.
“Safety is the driving force of our operations,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “The holidays are an exciting time — but getting to your family and friends safely is what matters most. That begins with responsible driving. Avoid distractions, stay vigilant and prepare for traffic.”
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department joined the campaign, reminding drivers that safe habits not only protect lives but can stabilize insurance costs over time. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Dave Buono urged motorists to buckle up, avoid distractions, and understand the steps necessary after a crash to ensure swift, accurate claims processing.
State agencies also provided guidance for drivers involved in crashes, including moving disabled vehicles out of travel lanes when possible, calling 911 for injuries or undrivable vehicles, staying inside with seat belts fastened if stranded in traffic, documenting damage, exchanging insurance details, gathering witness information, and taking photos when safe to do so.
For real-time traffic alerts, road conditions, and travel updates across the region, visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center.
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