CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — As millions prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania state officials are urging people to drive safely during the holiday weekend.
"We need every driver, passenger and pedestrian to make safety a priority this holiday season," said Lt. Adam Reed with the Pennsylvania State Police.
On Tuesday, PennDOT officials joined the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and State Police to launch "Operation Safe Holiday" ahead of the Thanksgiving travel season. The operation will include increased patrols by State Troopers and local police to crack down on DUI and seatbelt violations.
“These combined enforcement efforts on seatbelts and impaired driving are not about citations, they are about saving lives," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
Last Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania State Police made more than 540 DUI arrests and responded to 73 alcohol-related crashes. Four of those crashes were fatal.
Lt. Adam Reed said State Troopers will be keeping a close eye out for impaired drivers throughout the week to ensure people can get home for the holidays.
“Having seen the impact of these crashes on families and everyone involved drives us to carry out that mission even more strongly," said Lt. Reed.
According to the PA Turnpike Commission, an estimated 3.4 million drivers are expected to use the Turnpike between Tuesday and Sunday. That represents a 10% increase in Turnpike traffic during the week.
Turnpike and PennDOT officials are urging people to prepare for the increased traffic and look out for other drivers.
“I know everyone is in a hurry, but as we think about this Thanksgiving, let’s think about next Thanksgiving as well," said Carroll.
Drivers can check out up-to-date traffic and road conditions across Pennsylvania by using the 511PA website.