People are getting set to hit the roads for the long Thanksgiving weekend.<\/p>\n
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are reminding drivers to put the phone down, buckle up, and drive sober.<\/p>\n
Dietra Gadson picked up her sister, Gwendolyn Cox, in South Philly and is headed back to Williamsport for Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
“So, they had to come get me, because it’s too far for me to drive,” Cox said.<\/p>\n
Gadson is one of 13 children. She doesn’t mind helping her oldest sister, but she doesn’t like the speeders.<\/p>\n
“It’s just a lot of tractor-trailers right now. It’s not that congested. As long as you stay out of their way, we’re good,” laughed Gadson.<\/p>\n
PennDOT and state police want to make sure drivers like Gadson get there safely.<\/p>\n
Last season, more than 800 people were injured between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Jan. 2.<\/p>\n
“This comes with zero tolerance for impaired driving. Our holiday enforcement efforts will include DUI checkpoints, patrols and an increase in traffic safety enforcement,” said Sgt. Logan Brouse with the Pennsylvania State Police.<\/p>\n
Governor Shapiro reminds drivers that Pennsylvania’s hand-free law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, is now in effect.<\/p>\n
Briana Capolupo is staying close to home this year, but her brother is traveling to Maryland.<\/p>\n
I worry about my brother on long trips because he’s a crazy driver, and there are a lot of other crazy drivers. You don’t know what anybody’s going to do,” noted Capolupo.<\/p>\n
The holiday season impaired driving campaign began last Wednesday and runs through New Year’s Day.<\/p>\n
Andy Godrich appreciates the effort as he makes the long drive from Norfolk, Virginia, to Binghamton, New York.<\/p>\n
“Depending upon speeders and wrecks, (my trip takes) 8-10 hours,” Godrich said.<\/p>\n
Troopers will be out every hour, through the end of the year, to ensure everyone else enjoys the holiday season.<\/p>\n
“I’m gonna stay up there and eat my fill, and be merry,” laughed Cox.<\/p>\n