County, Police, PennDOT Kick Off Holiday Safe Driving

PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), police and Delaware County officials kicked off regional impaired and aggressive-driving enforcement at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media last week as part of “Operation Safe Holiday,” a campaign encouraging safe driving through the holiday season.

Police discussed the use of sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and regular traffic safety patrols to crack down on motorists who are driving aggressively or driving while impaired. The Pennsylvania State Police and hundreds of municipal police departments statewide partner with PennDOT during “Operation Safe Holiday” to increase traffic safety enforcement from Thanksgiving through the New Year’s holiday. 

The Pennsylvania DUI Association’s DUI Victims’ Moving Memorial, housed in a 30-foot trailer, was also on display. The memorial is a replica of the permanent DUI Victims’ Memorial Garden in Harrisburg and includes a 25-foot wall printed with the names of people who have been killed by drunk drivers.

PennDOT reports that the holiday season continues to be the leading time period for traffic crashes. There were 4,235 crashes and 49 fatalities last year during the Thanksgiving travel period, which includes the weekends before and after the holiday. During the Christmas and New Year travel periods, there were a combined 1,994 crashes and 19 fatalities. 

PennDOT encourages motorists to make sure they are well-rested and alert before traveling. Travelers should also rotate drivers and take frequent breaks.

Weather and travel information for more than 2,900 miles of state roads is available by calling 511 or visiting www.511pa.com before leaving home.

Learn more about Operation Safe Holiday by visiting www.JustDrivePA.com. 

This press release was provided by PennDOT.