HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania will increase impaired-driving enforcement through Labor Day as state officials seek to reduce crashes after 8,658 incidents involving impaired drivers killed 258 people and left 881 with suspected serious injuries statewide last year.
The national enforcement campaign began Wednesday and runs through Monday, Sept. 7, with Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police agencies conducting targeted impaired-driving enforcement. PennDOT is supporting the effort through its annual distribution of more than $6.7 million in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funding for impaired-driving enforcement.
Of Pennsylvania’s impaired-driving crashes last year, 7,166 involved a drinking driver and resulted in 180 deaths. Another 2,650 involved a drugged driver and resulted in 132 fatalities, according to PennDOT.
The categories can overlap because impaired driving can involve alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications or combinations of substances.
“When you decide to drive impaired, you’re not just risking your own life,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll stated. “If your plans include alcohol or drugs, make a plan to get home safely.”
Pennsylvania State Police will also increase patrols over the holiday weekend, targeting impaired and reckless driving as well as other traffic violations.
During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend, state police troopers made 538 DUI arrests and investigated 60 impaired-driving-related crashes. Three of those crashes were fatal.
“We have seen too many lives lost at the hands of impaired drivers, and the fact is these tragedies are preventable,” PSP Patrol Services Division Director Lt. Jeffrey M. Lambert stated.
Pennsylvania has approximately 250 Drug Recognition Experts, specially trained officers who assist with DUI investigations when drug impairment is suspected. The enforcement effort extends beyond alcohol to illegal drugs, prescription medications and combinations of substances that can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
State law also requires ignition interlock systems in vehicles for first-time and repeat DUI offenders with high blood-alcohol levels and for people whose driving privileges are suspended after refusing a chemical test.
Penn State Health Life Lion EMS Division Chief Dr. Chadd Nesbit warned that emergency crews routinely encounter the consequences of impaired-driving crashes.
“Whether the impairment comes from alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications, the consequences can be catastrophic,” Nesbit stated. “We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and make transportation plans before the festivities begin.”
Officials urged motorists who plan to drink or use other impairing substances to arrange transportation in advance through a designated driver or ride-share service.
For additional traffic conditions, roadwork information and travel updates, visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center at https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/.
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