PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Walking the line this weekend doesn't just include alcohol.
On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation and Drug and Alcohol Programs reminded drivers to be responsible at their Labor Day celebrations this weekend and to plan ahead if they will be under the influence of any substance.
Larry Shifflet, the executive deputy secretary for PennDOT said, “Even a small amount of alcohol or a controlled substance can alter a person’s ability to drive safely.”
He explained that state police and local law enforcement also work to remove drivers from the road who are under the influence of illegal drugs and prescription medications or a combination of substances.
“When your medication labels read, ‘Do not operate heavy machinery,’ you should not drive until you’ve seen how that medication affects you," Shifflet said.
Officials urge those celebrating this weekend to select a designated driver or use ride-share or public transportation services to ensure everyone gets to their destinations safely. Shifflet is reminding travelers, “A designated driver is a person who has had nothing to drink, not the least amount to drink.”
And while some may be budgeting for their holiday plans, law enforcement officials say the most expensive addition would be getting a DUI.
These expenses can include traffic violation fines, which can range from $300 to $10,000 depending on the degree of intoxication or if there are prior offenses. Towing your car from the traffic stop can tack on an additional $175 to $500 and then to get it out of the impound lot, it can cost drivers anywhere from $75 to $175 per day.
But to Lt. Adam Reed with the Pennsylvania State Police, “The greatest price to pay is taking the life of you or someone you share the road with.”
A lifelong consequence that Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall sees the effects of every day.
“It never gets easier knocking on the door and having to tell someone’s family that they won’t be coming home," Hall said.
According to PennDOT, in 2023 there were a total of 133 alcohol-related crashes during Labor Day weekend resulting in eight fatalities. The department also reported 41 drug-related crashes during this same period which resulted in an additional five deaths.
As part of the national crackdown on impaired driving, from Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2 state and local police will conduct DUI checkpoints, DUI roving patrols and increased traffic enforcement measures overall.
But they can't do it alone. Shiffler stated, "Safety is everyone's responsibility."