In advance of Fourth of July celebrations, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its safety partners are reminding everyone to drive sober and watch for pedestrians.

Representatives from PennDOT, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, the Highway Safety Network, and the City of Meadville hosted a media event Wednesday in Diamond Park to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence and share tips for pedestrians to stay safe.

A statewide Fourth of July impaired driving enforcement period kicked off on June 16, 2025, and extends through Sunday. During this campaign, both state and local law enforcement agencies are participating in activities geared at keeping impaired drivers off the road.

According to PennDOT data, there were 279 crashes statewide last year from midnight on Independence Day to 6:00 a.m. July 5, 2024, resulting in four fatalities and 216 injuries. A total of 47 of these crashes were alcohol related, resulting in one of the fatalities and 38 injuries.

Alcohol, prescription and over the counter medications, illegal drugs, and other substances also can impair someone’s ability to drive by slowing coordination, judgement, and reaction times. Some medications can also cause extreme drowsiness or dizziness.

“You can prioritize your safety, and the safety of your family and friends, by making a plan to have a sober ride home before celebrating,” said Maggie Nunley, a Regional Program Administrator for the Pennsylvania DUI Association. “While it might seem like a better alternative, walking home while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has its own safety concerns. The effects of intoxication make you more likely to make unsafe choices, such as crossing streets in hazardous areas or disregarding traffic signals. Instead, you can utilize one of the many available ride-sharing services or call a friend to get you home safely.”

Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users due to their susceptibility to being seriously injured or killed if they are involved in a crash.

In 2024, there were 104 pedestrian-related crashes in PennDOT’s District 1, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. A total of 11 fatalities occurred in these crashes.

“Pedestrians and motorists have a shared responsibility to keep each other safe on our roadways,” said Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Mike Tautin of the Highway Safety Network. “In addition to never walking or driving while impaired, pedestrians and motorists alike should avoid distractions so they can remain alert to their surroundings at all times.”

PennDOT offers these additional safety tips for pedestrians and motorists:

— When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.

— If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.

— When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic control devices.

— Pedestrians should wear bright, reflective clothing to remain visible to motorists and look both ways before crossing the street.

— Pedestrians should walk against traffic so they can see vehicles approaching.

— Motorists should always travel at a safe speed, but slow down when approaching crosswalks or intersections.

“As we celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy the summer season, I urge everyone to make safety a top priority. Please drive sober, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians at all times,” said Meadville City Manager Maryann Menanno. “A moment of caution can save a life. Let’s work together to ensure our streets are safe for everyone–this holiday and every day.”

For more information on impaired driving or pedestrian safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.