In Newtown PennDOT joins Bucks County Attorney, partners to emphasize holiday safety – thereporteronline

NEWTOWN – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), TMA Bucks County, Bucks County Attorney, Newtown Police Department, Pennsylvania Police and AAA held a May 23 event at the Newtown Police Department to outline regional efforts to ensure safety while driving. Holiday Day.

“As we approach the weekend of Remembrance Day, the day of honoring the heroes of our country who made the greatest sacrifice, we want to remind everyone of security,” said District Attorney Matt Weintraub. “Everyone should enjoy the weekend of Remembrance Day, but please do so without exposing yourself and others to danger by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

With the increase in the number of travelers in the summer months, there is usually an increase in the number of arrests and deaths while driving under the influence of alcohol, starting with the weekend of Remembrance Day.

That is why motorists are reminded to plan in advance when they will celebrate.

“If you plan to have a drink, ask a sober driver to take you home or think about using a driving program,” Weintraub said. “If it’s your turn to be a designated driver, don’t drink alcohol and take the role seriously.”

“When you organize a meeting, make sure all your guests soberly go home and don’t let them get behind the wheel when they’ve had a drink. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most deadly and frequently committed crimes, but it is one of the most possible, ”Weintraub said.

According to PennDOT, in 2020 there were 310 accidents in the Philadelphia region and three died during a trip to Remembrance Day, starting on Friday, May 22, and lasting until Monday, May 25. related to management.

As a result, government and law enforcement agencies have announced their plans to reduce the number of accidents over the weekend, which is accompanied by a national mobilization “Push or Ticket” – a campaign to inform about seat belts, which ends on June 5.

Police said they would focus on those driving dangerously, such as speeding. In addition, they will monitor for violations of seat belts and drivers who write text messages or commit other negligent acts while driving. The state’s legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08, so watch your beer or alcohol consumption unless you’ve arranged a way to return home safely, they added.

Police also noted the “law of movement”, according to which drivers must give vehicles with disabilities and emergency services a wide place.

By law, drivers approaching the emergency response area and unable to safely enter the lane away from the emergency response area must “drive the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the published speed limit and reasonable for safe passage ”.

What happens if you break the law? According to police, it is a $ 500 fine for the first crime, $ 1,000 for the second and $ 2,000 for the third and subsequent.

“We honor those who sacrificed their lives during Remembrance Day,” said Newtown Police Chief John Hearn. “Let’s pay back for the service while driving.”

Newtown Police Department members had an important message for community members: multitasking is sometimes good, but NOT when you’re driving. Do not use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
Slow down! Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of the accident; put on a seat belt; do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and get there safely.

“Remembrance Day is always a good predictor of what awaits us on summer travel,” said Jana Tydwell, AAA Mid-Atlantic Public Relations and Government Manager. “In the Philadelphia region, nearly 466,000 locals will go on holiday, with 424,000 locals (or 91%) driving, delaying more than twice the normal traffic. Although people have overdue vacations, safety must remain a top priority. AAA urges those who drive to fasten their seatbelts, eliminate distractions, and switch to ambulances that rescue motorists stranded on the roadside. ”

For more information on PennDOT highway safety measures, you can visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.