There are more DUI-related vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania over the Thanksgiving holiday than other holiday period, according to PennDOT.
That is why local police are increasing DUI enforcement plans throughout the holiday period, beginning today and extending through the weekend.
At least one stationary checkpoint is planned at a location in Lancaster County.
Roving patrols – police scattered across the county specifically targeting signs of impaired driving – are planned for the entire holiday period.
Pennsylvania State Police and the Lancaster County DUI Task Force – a team of local municipal police officers – is conducting the operations in conjunction with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.
The enforcement will include deployment of Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officers, those trained in detecting signs of drug use and impairment.
“DUI is not limited to drinking and driving, and the police focus and response reflects that,” First Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson said. “All drug-related DUI convictions carry a mandatory prison term.”
Last Thanksgiving, there were 481 DUI-related vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania – including 14 fatalities, according to PennDOT. That is more total crashes than those reported for any other holiday period.
During that period last year in Lancaster County, 16 vehicle crashes involved impaired driving, according to PennDOT.
“Think of the risk attached to impaired driving, compared to the convenience of calling a taxi, ride-share service or a friend to drive you home,” Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said. “Do the smart and easy thing, so everyone stays safe.”
Sobriety checkpoints, roving DUI patrols, and other enforcement activities organized as part of the Center for Traffic Safety’s impaired driving program are funded with federal highway safety grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and are established on sections of roadway which have proven to be high incidence for impaired drivers both in terms of crashes and arrests.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright