Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Highway Safety Network (HSN) gathered at the Commonwealth University Clearfield Campus today to urge everyone to designate a sober driver for their holiday travels. As part of their Operation Safe Holiday messaging, they also reminded everyone that buckling up is their best defense against injury if involved in a crash.
At the event, PennDOT and HSN invited the student body to operate the impaired driving simulator and complete activities while wearing Drunk Busters alcohol and drug impairment simulation goggles. PennDOT and HSN also distributed literature on the legal and social consequences of DUI.
“This event is important as it tackles a serious topic in a safe environment,” said Commonwealth University Clearfield Campus Director Valerie Dixon. “Driving under any kind of drug or alcohol influence is just simply dangerous, and educating students on this topic is crucial. This activity is presented in a less threatening manner that allows students to understand the potential repercussions from their actions. CU-Clearfield is always happy to hold this event on our campus.”
HSN Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Josh Woods offered responsible party hosting tips for those planning to host a party and those planning to attend a party. He said, “If you’re the designated driver, take the job seriously. If you’re hosting the party, and you know someone has been drinking and they try to leave, ask them for their keys, and help them get home safely, or offer to let them spend the night. While there is never a good time for tragedy to strike, it’s especially heartbreaking for it to occur during this time of year. That’s why we’re stressing to everyone the importance of wearing seat belts and driving sober during the holiday season."
The official holiday season DUI reporting period runs from Thanksgiving through the day after New Year’s Day. Last year between November 28, and January 2, 2025, the commonwealth reported 857 alcohol-related crashes that resulted in 18 fatalities and 542 injuries. Drug-related crashes from the same time totaled 307 resulting in 13 fatalities and 267 injuries.
For more information on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving or on the benefits of wearing seat belts, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety
For regional traffic updates, follow www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL.
CONTACT: Steve Harmic, sharmic@pa.gov or 814-496-6189.