PennDOT, Police Partner to Keep Holiday Season Travel Safe

Enforcement to Focus on Impaired, Aggressive Driving and Seat Belt Use

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PennDOT and police across Pennsylvania will partner for "Operation Safe Holiday," an aggressive effort to keep travelers safe this holiday season.

Through early January, police 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.

Pennsylvania will also conduct Click It or Ticket seat-belt enforcement from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4.

"With more vehicles on our roadways, motorists must be especially vigilant during the holiday travel season," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "Travelers should buckle up, drive safely, avoid distractions and never drive impaired."

PennDOT reports that Thanksgiving continues to be the leading holiday for traffic crashes. There were 4,380 crashes and 55 fatalities last year during that period, which includes the weekends before and after the holiday. Of those, 535 crashes were alcohol-related. During the Christmas and New Year travel periods, there were a combined 2,035 crashes and 19 fatalities.

PennDOT encourages motorists to make sure they 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.

Weather and travel information for more than 2,900 miles of state roads is available by calling 511 or visiting www.511pa.com before leaving home.

Learn more about Operation Safe Holiday by visiting www.DriveSafePA.org. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews.   

Media contact: Erin Waters, 717-783-8800

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

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