Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub had a message for drivers: don’t drive intoxicated and function a automobile safely.
Weintraub made his message clear Monday whereas standing with PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, TMA Bucks, and Newtown Township police.
“As we approach Memorial Day weekend, a day to honor our nation’s heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we want to remind everyone to be safe,” the district lawyer mentioned. “Everyone should enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, but please do it without putting yourself and others in danger by getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
The message got here forward of the lengthy Memorial Day weekend and the summer season season, which frequently comes with loads of celebrations.
“If you plan to drink, have a sober driver to take you home or consider using a rideshare program,” Weintraub mentioned. “If it is your turn to be the designated driver, do not consume alcohol and take the role seriously.”
“If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home and don’t let them get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. Drunk driving is one of the deadliest and most often committed crimes, yet it’s one of the most preventable,” he added.
PennDOT officers mentioned the nice and cozy climate season usually comes with a rise in DUI arrests and deaths.
Data from PennDOT confirmed there was 310 crashes and three fatalities within the Philadelphia area over the Memorial Day journey interval. Among these 310 wrecks, 27 crashes and three fatalities have been associated to intoxicated driving.
State and native police will likely be ramping up enforcement on Bucks County roadways.
Over the vacation weekend, police will “focus on people who drive dangerously, such as speeding. In addition, they will look out for seat belt violations and drivers who text or commit other careless acts behind the wheel. The state’s legal blood alcohol limit is .08, so watch that beer or alcohol intake unless you’ve arranged for a way to get home safely,” in line with authorities.
“We honor those who have sacrificed their lives during the Memorial Day holiday,” mentioned Newtown Police Chief John Hearn. “Let us return the favor while driving a motor vehicle.”
TMA Bucks will start distributing “Don’t Drink and Drive” coasters to eating places, bars, breweries, and wineries within the county via its Community Traffic Safety Program.
The objective is to get the message in entrance of drivers earlier than they make the choice to drive intoxicated.
“We really feel that these coasters can serve as a simple reminder for people out enjoying themselves throughout Bucks County to keep traffic safety at the top of their minds when getting behind the wheel,” mentioned TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program supervisor Carly Mannon. “We want people to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person quickly. If you have to do something to make yourself okay to drive, you’re not okay to drive.”
Police had easy and necessary messages for the group at Monday’s consciousness occasion:
- Multi-tasking is nice at instances – however NOT whenever you’re driving. Don’t use your cellphone or another digital gadget whereas driving.
- Slow down! Speeding offers you much less time to react and will increase the severity of an accident.
- Wear your seat belt!
- Don’t function a automobile drunk or medication.
- Arrive safely!
Restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries in Bucks County are capable of request the “Don’t Drink and Drive” coasters at tmabucks.com.
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