The Pennsylvania State Police-Honesdale barracks is reminding the public to take it easy on the roads for the upcoming July 4th weekend.
“We just want everyone to have a safe holiday without any tragedy,” said state police corporal Marty Robbins to The Wayne Independent on Tuesday.
Motorists can expect extra patrols and random driving under the influence (DUI) check points - county-wide - throughout the entire weekend in an effort to make the roads more secure, he said.
The Pennsylvania State Police-Blooming Grove barracks in Pike County will also conduct DUI checkpoints and roving patrols to deter unsafe driving and prevent roadway injuries and fatalities.
According to the state Department of Transportation, at least 14,500 DUI crashes occur annually in the Commonwealth, killing 544 people and injuring 13,454.
There are approximately 40 DUI related crashes each day amounting to 1.4 deaths and 37 persons injured.
“ ... Allow extra travel time, buckle up, and don’t drink and drive,” said Robbins.
The Honesdale barracks will also be promoting seat belt use by toting around two crash test dummies, reminiscent of the television ad campaigns sponsored by the federal government.
The barracks will bring “Vince” and “Larry” - the crash test dummies - to the Hawley Borough Independence Day parade on Saturday.
“It’s ... a proactive effort and to have a little fun with it,” said Robbins.
The state alcohol limit for legally driving is .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A DUI is a misdemeanor offense. Fines range from $300 to $5,000 with potential prison sentences of up to five years, including license suspensions of up to 18 months.