PennDOT encourages safe driving during holiday weekend
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler and State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller today encouraged motorists to drive safely and allow extra time for travel this Memorial Day weekend in anticipation of increased traffic and potential slowdowns in highway work zones. “Drivers always need to be alert, but they should pay extra attention during holiday periods when there is heavier traffic,” Biehler said. “Motorists should wear their seatbelts, follow posted speed limits, restrict cell phone use and never drink and drive.”
According to Miller, 11 people died and 361 were injured in 807 crashes during last year’s four-day Memorial Day holiday driving period. During that same period, state police issued 6,452 speeding citations, arrested 263 people for driving under the influence, cited 519 for failing to wear seatbelts, and issued 81 citations for not securing children in child safety seats.
“Speeding, tailgating, and engaging in other unsafe driving habits is especially dangerous during the busy holiday travel periods,” Col. Miller said. “Motorists should always drive defensively, be courteous and leave plenty of space between vehicles.”
PennDOT will remove most lane restrictions on interstates and other high-volume expressways for the holiday weekend, but restrictions cannot be lifted on some larger projects.
In particular, motorists should be aware of work zone lane restrictions that must remain in place on Interstate 78 near Hamburg, Berks County. Delays are likely in this area over the holiday travel period, and motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes or allow extra time to travel this section of Interstate 78.
PennDOT’s online road construction map is available to advise motorists of construction projects and potential delays on interstates and other major routes. Motorists can access the interactive map at www.dot.state.pa.us
by clicking “Highway Construction Map.” Motorists should choose the “News and Travel Advisories” link for updates on possible delays on Interstate 78 or major problems that may be reported on other interstates.
In addition, PennDOT’s Highway Construction Traveler’s Guide, which provides a map of major projects, is available for free at any of Pennsylvania’s 15 Welcome Centers or at PennDOT district offices.
Motorists are reminded that Pennsylvania law requires motorists to use their vehicles’ headlights in designated work zones. Failure to comply carries a $25 fine. Also, fines are doubled for traffic violations in work zones.
According to PennDOT, 20 people, including 1 highway worker, died in highway construction work zones last year in Pennsylvania, a 26-percent decrease from 2005 when 27 people lost their lives in work zone crashes.
Biehler noted that the vast majority of work zone crashes involve speeding, aggressive driving and tailgating.
“To make traveling in work zones safer and to protect the lives of construction workers, motorists must pay attention to the warning signs, slow down, merge with caution and use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly,” Biehler said.
To report maintenance concerns on state highways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) toll free, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.