CENTRE COUNTY — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project recently came together to promote safe travel during the summer with a Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign underway.
The campaign officially kicked off on Wednesday, June 18, and will be enforced through the Fourth of July weekend with local law enforcement and PA State Police conducting checkpoints and roving patrols.
“I’m pleased to join my colleagues to encourage Pennsylvanians to keep safety at the forefront over the upcoming Independence Day weekend and all summer long,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “No matter where your summer travels take you, always drive safely. Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation. Put the phone down and keep your full attention on the road. And buckle up! Seat belts save lives.”
The annual enforcement campaign is funded through PennDOT’s annual distribution of $6.2 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration across the state for impaired driving enforcement.
According to PennDOT, from June through August 2024, there were 2,238 crashes due to impaired driving. The crashes resulted in 1,655 injuries and 116 deaths.
There are two newer Pennsylvania laws to support safe transportation.
“Paul Miller’s Law” was passed last summer and prohibits the use of “hand-held devices” while driving, even while stopped momentarily.
“Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion,” a news release from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania explained. “Law enforcement will issue written warnings for violations of Paul Miller’s Law through June 5, 2026, when summary citations will begin to be issued to violators.”
Last November, Act 150 of 2024 was signed into law, banning devices that flip vehicle license plates to bypass tolls, engage in reckless driving and enable more serious crimes without detection. Drivers caught with the devices will be subjected to a fine of $2,000 upon conviction.
“The Pennsylvania State Police urges summer travelers to obey traffic laws for the safety of everyone on the road, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency responders and highway workers,” PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said. “Drive responsibly. Always wear your seat belt, never drive under the influence and stay alert by avoiding distractions.”
Furthermore, Pennsylvania law requires kids under the age of 18 to buckle up, in addition to drivers and front seat passengers. Little ones under two must be in a rear-facing car seat, and children under four should be riding in an approved child safety seat. Kids must use a booster seat until at least their eighth birthday.
“Safety is always the top priority when traveling with children, especially in recreational vehicles,” PA TIPP Central Regional Coordinator Kelly Whitaker said. “We recommend that parents choose nonmotorized, towable RVs whenever possible, allowing children to ride safely in the passenger vehicle pulling the RV. Alternatively, having an adult drive a second car gives families the flexibility to properly restrain children in a standard vehicle. If families opt for a motorized RV, it’s crucial to select one equipped with custom-built seating that meets federal seat belt standards. Taking these steps helps ensure that every family trip begins — and ends —safely.”
To learn more about PennDOT’s efforts to prevent impaired driving or other safety initiatives, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.
