Credit: Bucks County DA’s Office
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn has a simple message ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend: Don’t drive while intoxicated.
Schorn announced that eight municipal police departments, in collaboration with Pennsylvania State Police, will be conducting DUI checkpoints over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Troopers have already announced a checkpoint scheduled this weekend for Lower Bucks County. The location was not released.
The district attorney said the eight departments and troopers will set up a second checkpoint Route 611 in Warrington Township.
The departments taking part are: Bensalem Township, Dublin Borough, Hilltown Township, Middletown Township, Newtown Township, Penndel Borough, Richland Township, and Warrington Township. Troopers from the Bensalem Township barracks will be assisting.
Law enforcement officials will be actively manning the Central Bucks County checkpoint from 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, until 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 17. They will be stopping vehicles traveling in both directions and checking drivers for signs of intoxication.
“If you plan on celebrating, please do so responsibly,” Schorn said. “Do not drink and drive in order to make sure that everyone gets home safely.”
Schorn’s message is part of a broader campaign by law enforcement to protect drivers and pedestrians during one of the busiest times for social gatherings.
“Remember, it’s not just about you! Other people on the roads also want to get to their destination safely,” said Pennsylvania DUI Association Regional Program Administrator Jim French. “Impaired driving is an act of selfishness. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself that buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you feel a buzz, you are in no shape to drive.”
The push for safety is backed by statistics from PennDOT, which reported 77 crashes involving an impaired driver during the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period in the Philadelphia region. The crashes led to two fatalities.
“Plan for a sober ride home,” Schorn stressed. “Use either a ride share program or a designated driver.”
The county’s top law enforcement official said if drivers see an impaired driver on the roadway, they should call 9-1-1.
“Have a safe and happy St Patrick’s Day weekend,” Schorn said.
