Berks County law enforcement officials are asking people to pump the brakes with their celebration if it involves alcohol and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with local law enforcement agencies and state police to warn citizens of the dangers of drunken driving.
Like other festive seasons, the winter holidays are a time of year when many alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities occur.
In the combined Decembers of 2019-2023, 4,931 road users were killed in traffic crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, there were 1,038 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 697 of which involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .015% or higher — nearly twice the legal limit in almost every state.
“Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable,” said Sgt. David Bentz, an Exeter Township policeman who serves as Berks County coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program. “Our law enforcement officers will be out in full force to pull over impaired drivers and remove them from the roads to ensure our community stays safe.”
Drunken-driving fatalities can be prevented when everyone keeps road safety in mind as they prepare for holiday celebrations, officials said.
Drivers should be safe during this winter holiday season by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere, Bentz said.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunken driver, contact 911.