Driving, boating, fireworks: What Pa. officials are planning to enforce safety this holiday weekend

Harrisburg, Pa. -- In 2020 there were 112 alcohol-related crashes from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, resulting in five fatalities, according to PennDOT data. There were 48 also drug-related crashes, resulting in five fatalities.

Data from the Fish and Boat Commission shows that there were 60 boating-under-the-influence arrests in 2020, an increase from 45 in 2019. Pennsylvania is a boating destination state, and boaters drive to and from their boating location. When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a BUI becomes a DUI.

This week, representatives from PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner are reminding Pennsylvanians to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend responsibly.

PennDOT is working closely with safety partners and law enforcement to reduce impaired driving through the holiday weekend with impaired driving education and enforcement running through July 4.

“Safety is PennDOT’s most important priority, which is why we work closely with our partners and law enforcement to reduce impaired driving,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa J. Batula. “We urge motorists to plan ahead this holiday weekend, and always, by either designating a sober driver or arranging for alternate transportation.”

“Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time on the water no differently than if you were driving a car, with the additional risk of drowning,” said PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer. “Boating under the influence puts everyone at risk, including passengers and others enjoying the water.”

“Our goal is for boaters to begin each trip with a knowledge and appreciation of basic safe boating practices that includes wearing a life jacket and not drinking while boating,” he added.

Through the holiday, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols, an effort supported through PennDOT's annual distribution of over $4.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement.

“The Pennsylvania State Police has a zero-tolerance approach toward driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Lieutenant Colonel Scott Price, deputy commissioner of operations for the Pennsylvania State Police. “Consistent with our highway safety mission, Troopers are trained to look for impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving behaviors; and remain especially cognizant during holiday periods. Travelers can do their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe by remembering to slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive impaired or distracted.”

For Pennsylvanians celebrating at home this weekend, State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego recommended the following precautions for handling fireworks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Never let children play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures up to 1,800 degrees.
• Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, and quickly back away after lighting.
• Never point or throw fireworks at a person or animal.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of a fire.
• Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• After the fireworks have burned, fully douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs/medications that can impair judgement or reaction times.

“We say it every year because it’s true; fireworks are not toys,” said Trego. “Fireworks are capable of causing serious injury or death and must be treated with care. We also need to realize that as important as it is to protect ourselves during their use, it’s just as important to have a care for those around you. Neighbors who happen to be veterans as well as those with animals often have noise sensitives that we should consider.”