DUI enforcement ramps up over ‘party’ holiday
AP Chris Lee
Police officers across Fayette County will be on the lookout for impaired drivers on New Year’s Eve.
AP Susan Montoya Bryan
Police will use a variety of methods to ensure the safety of local motorists this holiday season.
Police officers around Fayette County will be out in full force this week as they attempt to crack down on drunken driving over the New Year’s holiday when, they say, drunken driving spikes.
State police, along with municipal officers, said they are beefing up patrols in an effort to curtail impaired driving in the county as revelers travel home from holiday gatherings and to ensure the safety of area residents and drivers.
“Unfortunately, we typically always see an increase in DUI arrests and crashes this time of year,” said state police Trooper Stephani A. Plume, public information officer. “We understand the holiday parties, especially during the New Year’s Eve events, can be a moment of temptation, but please be sure if you plan to drink, always have a designated driver.”
According to the state Department of Transportation, there were 11,956 alcohol-related crashes across state in 2012, including 404 fatal accidents involving alcohol consumption, representing nearly one-third of all fatal crashes statewide.
The 2012 crash statistics compiled by PennDOT also found that 74 percent of alcohol-related crashes occurred at night or on the weekends and that crashes that involve alcohol are 4.2 times more likely to result in a fatality.
PennDOT officials said that the New Year’s holiday is one of the busiest times for drunken crashes in the state, with 231 vehicle accidents reported in 2012 and nine fatalities. The disparity becomes apparent if you compare 2012 statistics for crashes over the Christmas holiday, when 69 accidents were reported and only one fatality.
Uniontown police Chief Jason A. Cox said that increased police patrols will be in effect on New Year’s Eve, especially during the nighttime hours, to try and curb drunken driving and to crack down on those who do get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
“It is a party holiday, and, with it being a party holiday, there is a tendency for alcohol to be involved,” Cox said.
“We are always watchful for drivers operating under the influence, but officers are definitely focused on ensuring the safety of the city’s motorists on New Year’s Eve and other holidays that are often associated with the consumption of alcohol.”
Plume said that just planning “a safe way home” before drinking activities can result in avoiding arrest or injury.
“If you are impaired and do not have a designated driver, call a friend or family member or consider public transportation,” Plume said.
She said that other motorists can also help keep the roads safe over the New Year’s holiday.
“We also ask driver’s on the road over the holiday season to keep an eye out for other driver’s that may appear to be under the influence. If you feel someone is a danger to travelers, please don’t hesitate to contact 911. Our goal for the holiday season is to make sure everyone gets to where they need to go safely so that they can enjoy the company of family and friends and celebrate the New Year.”