PennDOT, Police Join for ‘Operation Safe Holiday’ Enforcement

Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the busiest holidays when it comes to traveling, so the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and police are teaming up to enforce safe travels.

PennDOT and police statewide are joining forces for “Operation Safe Holiday,” an initiative including seat-belt, aggressive-driving and impaired-driving enforcement aimed at keeping roadways safe this holiday season.

According to a PennDOT press release, the operation is under way, beginning with statewide Click It or Ticket seat-belt enforcement. Through the New Year, police also will use sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and regular traffic safety patrols to crack down on motorists who are speeding, driving aggressively or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

“Every year we see an increase in travel during the holiday season, and unfortunately we also see more crashes,” PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch said in a statement. “If we all take the simple steps to buckle up, take our time and drive safe and sober, the holidays will be safer for everyone on Pennsylvania’s roadways.”

PennDOT reports that the holiday season continues to be the leading time period for traffic crashes. There were 4,235 crashes and 49 fatalities last year during the Thanksgiving travel period, which includes the weekends before and after the holiday. During the Christmas and New Year travel periods, there were a combined 1,994 crashes and 19 fatalities.

Tips

• Motorists, make sure you are well-rested and alert before traveling. Travelers should also rotate drivers and take frequent breaks.
• Motorists should allow extra time for travel and expect to encounter traffic delays. As weather and road conditions can worsen quickly at this time of year, motorists should always check the forecast for their entire route and make sure their vehicle is equipped with a winter emergency kit and tires with good traction.
• Call 511 or visit www.511pa.com for weather and travel information before leaving home.
• Receive PennDOT updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.

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