It’s the most dangerous time of the year – for drivers in Lancaster County and statewide.
Police in Pennsylvania responded to at least 80 fatal crashes during last year’s winter holiday season; an estimated 8,495 crashes in all.
About 300 of those crashes happened in Lancaster County over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
That’s why police in Lancaster County will increase patrols for dangerous drivers – specifically, impaired drivers – during this year’s final winter holiday break, beginning tonight for New Year’s Eve.
Those planning to celebrate the New Year with alcohol on Thursday night into Friday, outside their own home, are urged to use a designated driver, Uber, or a taxi.
Drivers who won’t be drinking should use caution and be alert of others who are. Police responded to about 50 crashes over last year’s New Year’s holiday in Lancaster County, according to PennDOT data.
On average, more than 1,500 drivers are charged with DUI each year in Lancaster County, according to District Attorney Craig Stedman’s office.
Statewide, DUI arrests involving “drugged drivers” were up 40 percent last year, according to the PA DUI Association.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright