Aug 24, 2011 By Heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

The state Department of Transportation has distributed federal funds to help local and state police crack down on impaired driving across the state during the Labor Day weekend as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative. 

“People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” said Barry J. Schoch, PennDOT Secretary. “Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol puts your life in danger, as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you. Do everyone a favor by designating a driver.”

Officials said that the $4.2 million in federal funds was allotted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The funds have been used throughout the year to help with impaired-driving patrols.

PennDOT officials also said that the nationwide enforcement effort will coincide with NHTSA’s new DUI enforcement theme, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” which is intended to remind motorists of the consequences of driving while impaired.

More than 600 municipal police departments and state police will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints targeting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Officials noted that the focus of the statewide enforcement is on border-to-border enforcement, as police are encouraged to cooperate across county and even state borders.

PennDOT records show there were 169 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities during the Labor Day weekend last year.