Local and state police will fan out across Bucks County for stepped up patrols over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Starting Wednesday evening, officers from several local police departments will be part of an enhanced DUI patrol program on roads across the county.
The Bensalem Township, Hilltown Township, Newtown Township, Northampton Township, Middletown Township, Warminster Township, and Warrington Township police departments will be taking part in enforcement along Street Road between Bensalem Township and Warrington Township.
“Don’t drink and drive and don’t do drugs,” Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn warned.
She added: “Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy with family and friends and we want everyone to be safe.”
The Pennsylvania State Police advised the public that troopers in the county will begin their increased enforcement details starting early Wednesday morning and continue them through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
The troopers will be seeking out intoxicated drivers and those calling and texting while driving and reckless drivers on area roads.
Last year, Troop M, which patrols Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties, investigated 68 crashes and made 27 DUI arrests.
Wednesday night is traditionally known as one of the biggest drinking holidays in the country as people gather ahead of Thanksgiving.
In addition to Troop M’s enforcement drive, troopers across the state will be enforcing Operation Safe Holiday that looks for drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts.
The sea belt enforcement mobilization began Nov. 11 and ends Sunday.
According to state law, occupants of vehicles who are younger than 18 have to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under the age of four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
“These enforcement efforts are not about tickets, they are about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT data shows seat belts save lives. Wearing your seat belt is your best defense against injury or death in the event of a crash. No matter how far you travel this year, buckle up!”
PennDOT data showed that 92 percent of unbelted drivers or passengers killed in crashes could have survived if they had a seat belt on.
Lt. Adam Reed, the communications director for the state police, said said it is essential for drivers to do everything they can to protect themselves, their families, and everyone else on the roads.
“Please, be responsible,” he stressed, adding that bad decisions can change lives in just an instant.
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