WEST CHESTER — With the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period almost upon us, the message from state and local officials is clear — drive safely!
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police, West Chester Borough Police Department, West Goshen Township Police Department, AAA, and the Chester County District Attorney held a press event Thursday morning at the Chester County Historic Courthouse to implore the public to not drive distracted, to use their seat belts and to especially not drive impaired.
“Simply open a conversation and help create a culture where impaired driving is unacceptable,” said Kelly McIntyre of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Don’t let a celebration turn into a tragedy. Choose safety over convenience.”
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe told the gathering of more than a dozen police officers dressed in blue to take that $40 UBER or Lyft ride that could save both lives and cash.
“You can destroy lives if you get behind the wheel,” the DA said. He then said that instead of spending $40 you could end up paying $5,000 in attorney’s fees, have your license suspended and have to take a Lyft to the grocery store.
West Chester Borough Police Lt. James Gorman said that the borough welcomes you into their restaurants and bars, but you should know that there will be extra officers on duty for the holiday weekend. He then said that in addition to saving someone else’s life, you could be saving your own.
“When you get on the road, you are pledging to use safe driving practices to keep all road users safe,” Gorman said. “Anyone heading out to a bar or party must commit to staying sober for the night if they are driving or arrange for a sober ride home before they begin to drink alcohol.”
West Goshen Township Police Department Lt. Matt Grandizio noted that Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is a big party night and is often referred to as “Black Out Wednesday” and “Drunksgiving.” He calls it, “Simply Dangerous.”
“Not enough people are making the right decisions,” he said.
A PennDOT release reads: Operation Safe Holiday began on Nov. 11 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving enforcement mobilization and will continue until Dec. 1. Pennsylvania law mandates that all occupants younger than 18 must wear seat belts when traveling in a vehicle.
Drivers and front-seat passengers are also required to buckle up. Children under two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, while children under four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Furthermore, children must use a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
“Buckling up takes less than three seconds and is the most effective way to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a vehicle crash,” said MacIntyre. “We want everyone to arrive safely at their Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings and wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to help ensure a safe arrival.”
The release also states: Along with ensuring that everyone is wearing a seat belt during holiday travel, PennDOT reminds motorists that alcohol is not the only substance capable of impairing a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can impair a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Motorists should carefully read and follow all warning labels, especially those that caution against “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a vehicle.
Throughout Operation Safe Holiday, law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols beginning Wednesday, Nov. 20, through the New Year’s holiday to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
According to PennDOT 2023 data, there were 506 crashes resulting in five fatalities in the Philadelphia region during the Thanksgiving travel period beginning Wednesday, Nov. 22, and running through Monday, Nov. 27. Of those, 47 crashes and three fatalities were impaired-driving related.
“With nearly 72 million Americans expected to be on the road during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, those who choose to drive while impaired are endangering not only themselves but also millions of others,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic Manager of Public and Government Affairs Jana Tidwell. “It is never acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are buzzed, drunk, or otherwise impaired.
“The risk of injury or death to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers is not worth it, especially when there are plenty of options available to get home safely. AAA encourages everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family without facing the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
“With so many easy alternatives to avoid driving after drinking, there is no reason to take that risk for yourself or others on the road.”
“Someone needs to be the designated driver and take it seriously,” said, Krys Johnson, PennDOT District 6 Safety Press officer.
