Uniontown, PA – Today the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the PA DUI Association, and the Highway Safety Network, announced the St. Patrick’s Day impaired driving campaign, which runs from March 7 through March 17.
According to PennDOT data, in 2023, there were 727 impaired driving crashes in District 12, which includes Westmoreland, Washington, Fayette, and Greene counties. Those crashes killed 46 people.
Alcohol consumption tends to spike during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and PennDOT is warning motorists of the consequences of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“We want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but we want them to do so safely,” said PennDOT District 12 Safety Press Officer Emily Swecker. “Don't be the reason someone’s loved one doesn’t make it home.”
Pennsylvania State Police troopers will be increasing enforcement of DUI laws throughout the campaign. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, and mandatory participation in the ignition interlock program.
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device, which measures their blood alcohol content (BAC). If the device detects alcohol, the vehicle will not start. The driver may also be required to provide additional breath samples at random intervals during their trip to ensure they are not driving under the influence.
“This technology is one of the most effective ways to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel,” said PA DUI Association Ignition Interlock Technician Aaron Gold. “Ignition interlocks keep our roads safer by preventing repeat offenders from driving impaired, and they are a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving in Pennsylvania.”
PennDOT encourages everyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to plan ahead and use safe alternatives to impaired driving, including designating a sober driver before heading out, using rideshare services, or utilizing public transportation.
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 X alerts.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/district12.
Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D12Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Swecker, eswecker@pa.gov or 724-425-3018
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