PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — With a national crackdown on impaired driving beginning this week, Pennsylvania drivers are reminded to celebrate responsibly ahead of the Labor Day holiday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and municipal police agencies will conduct impaired driving enforcement details through Monday, Sept. 7, as part of the national enforcement and education campaign.

Hosted by Penn State Health at their Life Lion Hanger in Hershey, representatives from the Pennsylvania DUI Association (PA DUI) will also be joining the effort.

“When you decide to drive impaired, you’re not just risking your own life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “If your plans include alcohol or drugs, make a plan to get home safely. Choose a designated driver, or choose to use a ride-share service, but never choose to drive impaired.”

Last year in Pennsylvania, there were 8,658 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 258 fatalities and 881 suspected serious injuries. A drinking driver was involved in 7,166 of those crashes, causing 180 deaths, and a drugged driver was involved in 2,650 crashes, resulting in 132 deaths.

“We have seen too many lives lost at the hands of impaired drivers, and the fact is these tragedies are preventable,” said PSP Director of the Patrol Services Division Lieutenant Jeffrey M. Lambert. “PSP will have increased patrols across the Commonwealth, cracking down on impaired and reckless drivers throughout the holiday weekend. You can help us keep our roadways safe by driving responsibly, slowing down and obeying traffic laws.”

These efforts against impaired driving are funded by PennDOT’s statewide annual distribution of more than $6.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for impaired driving enforcement.

During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend, troopers made 538 DUI arrests and investigated 60 impaired-driving-related crashes, three of which were fatal.

“Life Lion’s fight and ground crews respond to crashes where a single decision to drive impaired changes lives forever,” said Penn State Health Life Lion EMS Division Chief Dr. Chadd Nesbit. “Whether the impairment comes from alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications, the consequences can be catastrophic. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and make transportation plans before the festivities begin.”

Law enforcement checks for more than just alcohol impairment, including illegal drugs and prescription medications or any combination of substances that could impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. In Pennsylvania, there are about 250 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) who are trained to specifically look for impaired drivers and assist in DUI investigations.

An ignition interlock system is required on the vehicles of first-time and repeat DUI offenders with high blood alcohol levels and for individuals who receive an operating privilege suspension for refusing a chemical test.

“Interlock requirements allow eligible individuals to drive legally under restrictions while reducing the risk that they will drive impaired again,” said PA DUI Ignition Interlock Quality Assurance Program Director Aaron Gold. “But no device replaces personal responsibility. The safest choice is always to make a plan before drinking or using any substance that can impair your ability to drive. If you see someone who may be impaired and about to drive, speak up. If you are hosting an event, help guests get home safely. If you are driving, put safety first every time.”

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PennDOT encourages motorists to “Know Before They Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com, downloading the 511 Android or iPhone app, or by calling 5-1-1.

The 511PA website and app are free and available 24 hours a day, providing traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

For more information on safe driving in Pennsylvania, click here.

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