Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) stresses the importance of sober driving and safe practices on the road ahead of the Labor Day holiday.
During the holiday weekend which runs through September 4, local and state law enforcement will target impaired drivers through enforcement details. Motorists found driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or higher will be arrested.
Impairment affects a person's judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time, as well as impacts others on the road. Alcohol consumption is not the only path leading to a DUI arrest. Drivers who are under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication are also targeted for DUI arrest. Driving under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous as alcohol, which highlights the importance of knowing how prescribed medications can affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Those who opt to walk as an alternate mode of transportation are encouraged to have a designated walker to help them travel to and from their destination safely. Pedestrians who are walking impaired can also make bad decisions on the road that can also put themselves and others at risk.
The public is encouraged to always plan ahead by either designating a sober driver or walker, arranging for alternate transportation, and always buckling up every time they are in a vehicle. Wearing a seat belt is the best defense in the event of a crash.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
PennDOT's media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
For regional updates, follow PennDOT on Twitter and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.
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