Pennsylvania state police in Troops C and F investigated a combined 74 motor vehicle crashes over the Christmas holiday, from Dec. 22 through 25.
State police released data recently from the holiday enforcement driving period.
Troop C covers six counties in northwestern Pennsylvania, including McKean and Elk, while Troop F covers five counties in north central Pennsylvania, including Potter and Cameron. Of those 74 crashes, 23 were in Troop C territory and 51 were in Troop F territory.
Police reported that “troopers arrested 330 people for driving under the influence during the four-day Christmas holiday,” and 54 of the total 622 crashes involved alcohol. While this is an increase from the 243 DUI arrests in 2017, last year’s holiday driving period only lasted three days, one day less than this year.
In the Troop C region, police investigated one crash believed to be alcohol related and investigated eight motorists believed to be DUI. Troop F officers investigated four alcohol-related crashes and 24 motorists believed to be DUI.
Six people were killed statewide in five fatal crashes, but no fatal crashes occurred in the region of Troop C or F, police reported. None of the six people who died were wearing seatbelts.
Troop C reported 12 injuries and Troop F report 10 injuries.
Over Christmas weekend, police statewide were not only on the lookout for crashes and DUIs but also for other traffic violations.
“In addition to DUI enforcement, troopers issued 2,460 speeding citations, 289 seatbelt citations and 58 child safety seat citations,” police reported.
In Troop C, troopers cited 44 for speeding violations, six for child seat violations, five for seatbelt violations and 146 for other reasons. In Troop F, troopers cited 175 for speeding violations, one for a child seat violation, 20 for seatbelt violations and 272 for other reasons.
As people will be out welcoming 2019 tonight, police offer a suggestion to keep inebriated drivers off the road.
“With New Year’s Eve celebrations still to come, drivers are reminded to plan ahead for a safe ride home,” police stated. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s SaferRide app is free to download on Apple and Android devices. Once installed, the app provides a simple interface to call a taxi or a trusted friend for a ride if you have had too much to drink.”
