Pennsylvania State Police will be ramping up their enforcement efforts this Memorial Day weekend with a safety initiative targeting aggressive and impaired driving.
The enforcement detail will commence at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 24, and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 27.
Troopers in Bucks County will be implementing the P.A.D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions. In addition to these offenses, troopers will be vigilant against drivers violating laws related to texting while driving, using handheld mobile devices, prohibiting the use of hearing impairment devices, careless driving, and reckless driving.
In an effort to prevent impaired driving, S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E. (Drug Recognition Expert) troopers will be specifically targeting motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the Memorial Day holiday traffic enforcement period last year, Troop M, covering Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties, investigated a total of 42 crashes and made 31 arrests for driving under the influence.
Motorists are reminded of the consequences of attempting to flee or elude police officers. The offense can be graded up to a third-degree felony, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for any damages or injuries resulting from the pursuit, state police said.
“Motorists are reminded there will be increased patrols as part of our continuing effort toward traffic safety and also request to take special attention when driving this summer season. When you see flashing lights, slow down and pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response area, it’s the law,” state police said.
Additionally, troopers and PennDOT officials will be holding a “Click It or Ticket” enforcement mobilization statewide through June 2.
Pennsylvania law mandates that drivers, front-seat passengers, and all occupants under 18 must wear seat belts. Children under 4 must be secured in an approved child safety seat, and those under 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer’s height and weight limits. Booster seats are required for children aged 4 to 8.
During the four-day Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Pennsylvania State Police investigated 651 crashes, resulting in four fatalities and 142 injuries. Troopers issued 1,318 citations for seat belt violations and 224 tickets for not securing children in safety seats.
“‘Click it or Ticket’ isn’t about citations, it’s about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent. Through continued enforcement and education, we hope to see more people buckling up and fewer fatal crashes on Pennsylvania’s roads.”
