Sobriety Checkpoint Planned In Bucks Co. Over St. Patrick's Day Weekend

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Bucks County DUI Task Force will be conducting a major sobriety checkpoint in Warrington Township over the St. Patrick's Day weekend.

The checkpoint will operate from 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, until 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, in the Route 611 corridor in Warrington Township. Police from six departments will be observing traffic in both directions in the heavily traveled corridor, looking for signs of impairment.

"St. Patrick's Day weekend is here. If you're celebrating, do it responsibly. Do not drink and drive," said Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan, who joined members of the Warrington Township Police Department to announce the upcoming checkpoint. "This is not the weekend to push your luck."

To protect motorists, Khan said 30 police officers from throughout the county will be out in full force at the checkpoint to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads.

"If you get behind the wheel after drinking and doing drugs, you may find yourself taking a ride in one of these," said Khan, pointing to a police car. "Don't do it. Call a friend. Call a ride share. Get a designated driver. And if you see an impaired driver, please call 911. Your call could save a life."

Approximately 30 officers from multiple Bucks County police departments will participate in the checkpoint, including officers from Warrington, Bensalem, Middletown, Hilltown, Newtown Township and Newtown Borough.

The Bucks County DUI Task Force reminds everyone that Pennsylvania has zero tolerance for impaired driving. Please keep the following safety tips in mind:

Plan Ahead

• Designate a sober driver or arrange a rideshare before you begin celebrating.
• Be a Responsible Host: If you are hosting a gathering, help ensure your guests have a safe way home and offer non-alcoholic options.
• Report Danger: If you observe a vehicle being driven erratically or suspect a driver is impaired, safely pull over and dial 911.

The weekend checkpoint is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety during holiday weekends, which often see increased social activities and more impaired drivers on the road.

The police departments involved will be covering a significant area to maximize the effectiveness of the checkpoint with the goal of ensuring that individuals celebrating St. Patrick's Day do so responsibly and safely, especially if they are operating a vehicle, police said.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead if their weekend activities include consuming alcohol. Options such as designated drivers, ride-sharing services, or public transportation are recommended to avoid impaired driving.