State Police: Seven Killed, 264 Injured in Crashes During Holiday Travel Period

Troopers Respond to 862 Crashes, Cite more than 5,000 Violators Statewide

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 27, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seven people were killed in traffic crashes investigated by state police during the four-day Christmas holiday driving period, Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski said today. Four of the seven killed were not wearing seat belts and two of the crashes involved drivers who were impaired.

In addition to the seven fatalities, 264 people were injured in the 862 crashes to which troopers responded. This year's official Christmas holiday driving period covered Dec. 23 through Dec. 26.

Pawlowski said these figures do not include statistics on incidents to which other law enforcement agencies in the state responded.

"Troopers were out during this holiday period, issuing 1,666 speeding citations and more than 3,500 for other violations, including almost 300 for seat belt violations," said Pawlowski. "Nearly 200 motorists were arrested for driving impaired.  

"Despite our tireless and aggressive enforcement efforts, we continue to find that driving too fast, failing to use seat belts, and driving while impaired are deadly combinations. We want everyone to arrive safely to their destination. That means driving responsibly and voluntarily abiding by the state's traffic laws."

During the 2009 Christmas driving period, which covered four days, 4 people were killed and 245 were injured in 912 crashes investigated by state police.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.

CONTACT: Lt. Myra A. Taylor, 717-783-5556

SOURCE Pennsylvania State Police Department