80 Crashes, 27 DUIs In State Police Thanksgiving Enforcement Results

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —State Police Troop M have reported 80 crashes and 27 DUI arrests made for its three-county coverage area during the Thanksgiving holiday enforcement.

Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M – Bethlehem, said the enforcement started Wednesday and wrapped up Sunday for Bucks County and Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The safety initiative P.A.D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) targeted drivers who aggressively operated their motor vehicle in a manner that was dangerous to members of the public, which included speeding, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions.

In addition, S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E.
(Drug Recognition Expert) Troopers specifically focused on motorists who operated while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Besides the 80 crashes and 27 DUI arrests, troopers reported five alcohol-related crashes and 26 people injured in the 80 crashes.

Police also reported these results for the three-county region:

• 342 speeding citations
• 21 passenger seat violations
• 47 seat belt citations
• 62 occupant protection warnings
• 17 criminal related arrests
• 1,163 other traffic citations

Motorists are reminded there will be increased patrols as part of our continuing effort toward traffic safety throughout this holiday season and particularly during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Motorists are reminded that fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, meaning that a driver fails or refuses to stop or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, is subject to a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.