Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and other safety organizations, is reminding residents to act responsibly as the Labor Day holiday approaches.
Law enforcement agencies across the state will be increasing impaired driving enforcement through September 1. This initiative is part of the National Crackdown on Impaired Driving campaign and is supported by over $6.2 million in funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed annually by PennDOT. The effort aims to decrease incidents of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired drivers on Pennsylvania roads.
During last year's Labor Day weekend, there were 1,002 crashes statewide, resulting in 13 deaths and 722 injuries. Alcohol was a factor in 106 of those crashes, leading to four deaths and 65 injuries. Drug-related incidents accounted for 27 crashes, causing three deaths and 22 injuries.
"These numbers should be zero," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "Crashes involving impaired drivers are completely preventable. If your celebration includes alcohol or drugs, make a plan to get home safely without getting behind the wheel impaired. Never choose to drive impaired."
Other speakers at the event included Logan Brouse, a Pennsylvania State Trooper; Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police; Robert Ressler, Perry County Coroner; and Melissa "Missy" Sweitzer, Victim Advocate.