Uniontown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing its participation in the "National Crackdown Impaired Driving Campaign" from August 16 through September 4 in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
PennDOT county maintenance offices strategically placed changeable message signs displaying "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" in locations that have a high number of crashes involving impaired driving.
"Our maintenance staff welcomes the opportunity to participate in sharing the message to drive sober and be responsible when traveling on our roads," said PennDOT Assistant District Executive of Maintenance Robb Dean, P.E.
In Pennsylvania, impaired driving remains a top safety issue. An impaired driver can be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including illegal drugs and prescription medication, or some combination of these. Impairment is impairment. While illegal drugs can be especially dangerous when combined with driving, motorists should always read their prescription drug labels and never drive if the medication indicates not to.
In 2022, there were 10,296 crashes involving an impaired driver in Pennsylvania, resulting in 452 fatalities. District 12's region of Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties made up 691 of those crashes, resulting in 43 fatalities.
PennDOT urges motorists to never drive impaired. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect someone's ability to drive. Always designate a sober driver or utilize public transportation or rideshare options.
"The Pennsylvania State Police would like to remind the public that no matter where your upcoming holiday celebrations take you, it is important to plan ahead for a safe way home and to never get behind the wheel impaired," said Trooper Kalee Barnhart. "DUIs are 100% preventable."
PennDOT District 12 safety partners at the Highway Safety Network joined in the campaign by sharing pictures of the message boards on their social media accounts.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at PennDOT District 12.
Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 12 Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects.
Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: Melissa Maczko, 724-439-7135 or mmaczko@pa.gov
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