PENNSYLVANIA — With the holiday season approaching, Pennsylvania authorities are urging drivers to prioritize safety on the road. Yesterday, the Shapiro Administration, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), National Weather Service (NWS), and AAA launched “Operation Safe Holiday”.
The campaign, which started with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization, will continue until November 26. Its primary focus is to enforce seat belt usage, encourage sober driving, and eliminate distractions while driving.
In addition, PSP will hold child safety seat fitting clinics at various locations across the state, ensuring Pennsylvania’s youngest travelers are safe on the road. According to PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris, “Correct use of child safety seats and booster seats is paramount to preventing injuries and fatalities in a crash.”
Under Pennsylvania law, all vehicle occupants under 18 must wear seat belts. The same applies to drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, those under four in an approved child safety seat, and children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
Furthermore, law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols from November 22 through the New Year’s holiday. This initiative aims to deter and apprehend drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
PennDOT data reveals that during the 2022 holiday travel period, there were 1,111 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 41 fatalities and 661 suspected serious injuries. Additionally, there were 387 drug-related crashes, causing 44 fatalities and 287 suspected serious injuries.
The PA Turnpike Commission expects approximately 3.3 million motorists to travel the PA Turnpike during the six-day Thanksgiving holiday period starting on Tuesday, November 21. The heaviest travel days are predicted to be Tuesday and Wednesday. Motorists facing issues on the PA Turnpike can dial *11 to reach a PA Turnpike traffic operator for assistance.
The agencies also highlighted the potential threat of snow squalls during the winter months, reminding drivers to heed related warnings during Snow Squall Awareness Week, November 13-17.
“Operation Safe Holiday” is a comprehensive effort by Pennsylvania authorities to ensure safe travel during the holiday season. While the campaign aims to reduce road accidents, drivers are reminded that their safety and the safety of others ultimately lie in their hands.
Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.
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