Philipsburg, PA – On Thursday, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network (HSN), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania DUI Association (PA DUI), partnered with local first responders and business leaders in Philipsburg to promote sober driving during the upcoming holiday season.
Held at Cold Stream Dam Recreation Park in Philipsburg, the “Choose Your Ride” event offered members of the media and the public a close-up look at a PSP patrol car, a Moshannon Valley EMS Ambulance, a Philipsburg Fire Department fire truck, and a hearse from Dahlgren-Spewock Funeral Home of Philipsburg. This was intended to illustrate the modes of transportation someone may find themselves in if they choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Driving while impaired is a serious and preventable threat to our roadways,” said PA DUI Program Administrator Maggie Nunley. “We hope that by pulling together these different types of rides that the visual will hit home and get everyone to take their choices seriously. The public has every right to travel without fearing for their safety because of the reckless choices made by impaired drivers. 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.”
While the holiday season is a time to celebrate for many, instances of impaired driving can rise substantially. 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.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacob Rhymestine said, “Don’t let one bad decision ruin the celebration. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a safe ride home. Whether it’s a designated driver, public transportation, or a rideshare, planning ahead can save lives.
“Additionally, along with thousands of dollars in fines, towing fees, impound fees, and court costs, there may be social ramifications. There will be court appearances, community service requirements, or jail time, leading to lost time and lost wages — possibly costing you your job. A DUI conviction can also impede attempts to get a job.”
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, provide water or other non-alcoholic beverage options such as mocktails for designated drivers. If you know someone has been consuming alcohol and they try to leave, take their keys and help them get home safely, or offer to let them spend the night.”
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety
Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
CONTACTS: Steve Harmic, sharmic@pa.gov or 814-496-6189, Monica Owens, moowens@pa.gov or 814-696-7105.