Troopers from Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, which is responsible for overseeing Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties, have revealed the outcomes of its Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement period.
The enforcement initiative aimed at targeting drivers engaging in dangerous behavior on the road. The enforcement period began last Fridayat midnight and concluded on Memorial Day at 11:59 p.m.
Troopers focused their efforts on catching drivers who exhibited aggressive driving habits, including speeding, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions. They also paid attention to drivers who were engaged in distracting activities, such as texting while driving, using handheld mobile telephones, careless driving, and reckless driving.
Troopers specialized in S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E. (Drug Recognition Expert) focused their attention on stopping drivers who were operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Throughout the Memorial Day weekend enforcement period, troopers investigated a total of 42 crashes and made 31 arrests for DUI, state police said.
Troopers reminded drivers of the state’s “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit if they are unable to safely merge into a lane further away from the response area. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $500 for a first offense to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.
Troopers said they will continue to increase patrols throughout the summer travel season as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure traffic safety, especially during the upcoming Independence Day weekend.
