HARRISBURG, PA – State officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) gathered on June 18 to launch initiatives promoting safe travel ahead of the Independence Day weekend and the summer travel season.
“I’m pleased to join my colleagues to encourage Pennsylvanians to keep safety at the forefront over the upcoming Independence Day weekend and all summer long,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “No matter where your summer travels take you, always drive safely. Designate a sober driver, put the phone down, and buckle up.”
Law enforcement agencies, funded through PennDOT’s annual $6.2 million impaired driving enforcement budget, will conduct checkpoints and patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign. Last summer, Pennsylvania recorded 2,238 impaired driving crashes between June and August, resulting in 116 fatalities.
Two newly enacted laws are expected to enhance road safety. “Paul Miller’s Law,” signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, prohibits hand-held device use while driving, even at temporary stops, with enforcement ramping up after June 2026. Additionally, Act 150 of 2024 outlaws license plate-flipping devices, imposing fines of $2,000 for violations.
Safety efforts extend to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where summer construction projects tied to open road tolling (ORT) continue. Removal of eastern toll plazas and infrastructure installations in the west are aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. “Whether you’re traveling for vacation or day-to-day convenience, we want everyone to get back home safely,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
Pennsylvania officials also stress securing child passengers. Kelly Whitaker, Regional Coordinator for PA TIPP, recommends non-motorized RVs for families to ensure children are properly restrained.
With increased traffic anticipated this season, officials urge motorists to prioritize safety by obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and following travel advisories.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.