PennDOT - District 6 News
PennDOT, Temple University, Safety Partners Encourage Drug and Alcohol-Free DrivingPennDOT, Temple University, Safety Partners Encourage Drug and Alcohol-Free Driving
Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Temple University, City of Philadelphia - Vision Zero and Philadelphia Police Department held an event today at Temple University to discourage impaired driving ahead of the Labor Day holiday as part of a national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign which runs through September 2.
"PennDOT wants to send the message to motorists and especially young drivers to never get behind the wheel impaired, and use caution when walking and biking too," says PennDOT District 6 Executive Kenneth M. McClain, P.E. "It's best to have a plan in place before you head out to gatherings and parties as Summer closes. Always look for alternative transportation methods if you find yourself intoxicated, such as calling a sober friend or relative, using a ride sharing app or public transportation."
As part of this high-visibility enforcement effort, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania's DUI Task Forces, along with municipal police departments will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols to target impaired drivers. This effort is funded through PennDOT's statewide annual distribution of more than $4.7 million dollars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement.
According to PennDOT's data, in 2018 there were 33 statewide fatalities from August 31 through September 9. Of those fatalities, 20 deaths were due to impaired driving; loss of life that could have been avoided. Four lives were lost in the Philadelphia region during that time due to impaired driving.
Impaired drivers are incapable of safe driving regardless of the substance. If you are heading out onto the busy roads this Labor Day holiday, or attending celebrations, PennDOT encourages you to plan before you head out with these safety tips:
- Before taking prescription drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential risk for impairment;
- Designate a nondrinking driver before festivities even begin and never operate a vehicle while impaired;
- Never leave a friend alone if they are impaired and might try to drive, and take the keys from anyone who is impaired;
- For those without a sober designated driver, call for a cab, use a ride share app. such as NHTSA's SaferRide , or stay put; and
- Always buckle up.
To learn more about impaired driving and other PennDOT safety initiatives, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.
Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPhilly. Follow the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennsylvaniadepartmentoftransportation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robyn Briggs, 610-205-6799
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