BLOOMSBURG — The Standard Journal is reporting… PennDOT, the Highway Safety Network, the PA DUI Association, the Northumberland Area Police Traffic Services Program, and others are sending a message about safe holiday driving.
They were joined by some Columbia County police departments (Bloomsburg, Catawissa, Scott-Hemlock-and-Locust Township), along with Geisinger Medical Center, who all highlighted enforcement activities and reminded motorists to plan ahead for a safe ride home as part of Operation Safe Holiday.
The newspaper reports… Throughout the holiday enforcement period which began on Nov. 22 and runs through New Year’s Day, law enforcement agencies across the state will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Bloomsburg Police Chief Scott Price said, “For those folks who are going to go out, enjoy the holidays but clearly, if you are going to drink, drink responsibly. Utilize things like ride sharing services and designated drivers. Impaired driving isn’t just alcohol but can also be a result of drugs, alcohol or inattention. We ask folks that you do not text behind the wheel.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2022 during the holiday season there were 14,342 crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 124 fatalities and 7,268 suspected serious injuries. Of those crashes, 1,111 were alcohol related and 387 were drug related.
Shawn Noonan with the PA DUI Association said “Every life lost as a result of impaired driving is a life that is gone too soon.” Speaking on the effects of marijuana, he added “ If you feel different, you drive different. Do not be the cause of an empty seat at someone’s holiday celebration.”
PennDOT reminds motorists that impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable and asks drivers to keep themselves, their families, and other motorists safe by designating a sober driver or not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Party hosts are encouraged to offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, take the keys from any guest who is impaired and help them secure a safe ride home.
he NAPTSP is comprised of the police departments from 14 counties: Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Clinton, Schuylkill, Berks, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Along with NATPSP, Bloomsburg Police Department is committed to reducing the number of impaired driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Columbia County.
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