Pennsylvania Warns Drivers to Drive Safely This Labor Day Weekend

According to a recently published state.pa.us press release, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller are encouraging all motorists to drive safely and smartly during this hectic Labor Day weekend no matter where in the state they are.

PennDOT Secretary Biehler said, "With more cars on the road than usual, drivers should be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings. Motorists should follow posted speed limits, wear their seat belts, restrict cell phone use and never drink and drive."

Additionally, fatalities and crashes through the state of Pennsylvania were extremely heavy last Labor Day. There were a total of 1,168 crashes which resulted in 13 deaths. All of the information was record from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

Of those crashes, 190 of them were due to a driver being under the influence of alcohol. In total, seven of the 13 deaths were a direct result of drunk driving.

To make roads safer and to protect more motorists this Labor Day weekend, the Pennsylvania State Police is working to put more police officers and sobriety and DUI checkpoints on state roads.

Just last Labor Day weekend, police officers distributed 5,702 ticket for speeding and arrested 336 people for driving while under the influence of alcohol. In addition, 241 people were cited for not wearing seat belts and 29 people were cited for not properly securing children in standard child safety seats.

State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said, "Please allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Don't get involved in aggressive driving behaviors like speeding and tailgating. Your only goal when you get behind the wheel should be to get to your destination safely."

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is also planning on opening up more lanes on roads to help with heavy traffic. However, some lanes will have to remain closed due to current construction projects being conducted by the state.