Trending
At this time next week, many will be on the road to gather with families for the Thanksgiving holiday. In preparation, state officials are reminding drivers to wear their seat belts, drive sober, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.
"We must all do our part to prevent crashes and fatalities," said PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Cheryl Moon-Sirianni. "No matter how far or near you travel, we want everyone to arrive safely. Please designate a sober driver this holiday season. And buckle up! Your seat belt is your best defense against reckless drivers."
Operation Safe Holiday kicked off this week with the "Click It or Ticket" Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization running through Nov. 26.
Pennsylvania law requires any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under the age of four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
Throughout Operation Safe Holiday, law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols beginning the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, through the New Year's holiday to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
According to PennDOT data, during the 2022 holiday travel period beginning the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and running through Jan. 2, 2023, there were 1,111 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 41 fatalities and 661 suspected serious injuries. During the same timeframe, there were 387 drug-related crashes, resulting in 44 fatalities and 287 suspected serious injuries.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is once again expecting big numbers over the Thanksgiving holiday. Approximately 3.3 million motorists are expected to be traveling the PA Turnpike during the six-day holiday period starting on Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 26 with Tuesday and Nov. 22 looking to be the heaviest travel days.
Holidays are an anticipated time for many. Staying safe - and leaving plenty of time for travel while being patient behind the wheel - benefits us all.