PennDOT to Aid State, Local DUI Enforcement through Labor Day

PennDOT announced on Aug. 19 the distribution of federal funds to
help municipal and state police crack down on impaired driving across the state through Labor Day during the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative.

"People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind," PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch said in a press release.

"Getting behind the wheel when you're impaired by drugs or alcohol
puts your life in danger, as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you. Do everyone a favor by designating a driver," he continued.

The $4.2 million in federal funds PennDOT distributes come from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] and have been used throughout the year to help with impaired-driving patrols. The national enforcement effort will also unveil NHTSA's new DUI enforcement theme, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," to remind motorists of the consequences of driving while impaired, as stated in the press release.

According to the release, PennDOT records show there were 169 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities during Labor Day weekend in 2010.

More than 600 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints targeting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The focus for this statewide enforcement wave is border-to-border enforcement, as police are encouraged to cooperate across county and even state borders. Pennsylvania's efforts are part of a nationwide enforcement wave, according to the release.

Visit www.DriveSafePA.org for more information on Pennsylvania's efforts to stop impaired driving and other traffic-safety initiatives.