DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — November 13 is the start of Operation Safe Holiday, a statewide initiative to help keep Pennsylvanians safe on the road as they travel for the holidays, beginning with the Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization, running through Nov. 26.
Multiple state agencies are partnering to highlight holiday travel safety, including the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania State Police, Central Pennsylvania National Weather Service, and Pennsylvania Turnpike.
AAA projects the 2023 travel season to be the third largest since 2000, according to new data.
“We are projecting that over 49 million travelers are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations this season,” said Nate Pigott, the marketing director for AAA.
More than three million people are expected to hit the road in Pennsylvania alone. Drivers can therefore expect to see an increased police presence compared to 2022.
“We do anticipate we are going to see a large number of crashes and encounter more drivers who are under the influence,” said Lieutenant Adam Reed, the communications director with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations state police encounter during holiday travel, often due to impairment. Penalties for speeding include a fine and points on a person’s license.
“It’s important for motorists to understand if they get issued a citation, it should be viewed as something of a learning tool to not repeat that behavior in the future,” Reed said.
People might also have to contend with extreme weather while traveling.
“I can say without hesitation that few winter weather phenomena pose a greater threat in Pennsylvania to highway motorists than snow squalls,” said Ashley Evans, a meteorologist from Central Pennsylvania National Weather Service.
Snow squalls can happen suddenly and make driving conditions treacherous.
“Snow squalls on Pennsylvanian highways can be deadly and, unfortunately, past accident data reinforces that case,” Evans said.
Luckily, there are ways drivers can prepare.
“Get a good night’s rest, check your vehicle before heading out, check the weather,” Pigott suggested.
Drivers who expect to consume alcohol are also encouraged to seek an alternative ride home by using a ride-share service or having a designated driver.
People can also pack supplies like a compact shovel or solvent in case they encounter poor road conditions due to weather.