Palmer, Forks Police to Enforce DUI for 4th

You'll see them all over Wednesday.

The Palmer and Forks police departments will have officers out in full force on the , teaming up with state police and PennDOT to ensure that local roads and highways are free of drunken drivers.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" national enforcement effort, which lasts through July 8, targets motorists who drive under the influence.

“Many people will celebrate and travel for the Independence Day holiday,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said in a PennDOT press release. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts your life and the lives of those around you in danger. Designate a driver ahead of time or arrange for a ride home – just don’t drive unless you’re sober.”

The holiday is one of the worst for injuries and fatalities.

During last year's Independence Day holiday travel period (July 1-4), there were 897 crashes and 14 fatalities.

Of those, according to PennDOT, 146 crashes and six fatalities were alcohol-related.

“Motorists must understand that alcohol and driving never mix,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. “Don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you've been drinking, even if you plan to only drive a short distance. Enjoy the holiday, but make safety a priority.” 

Pennsylvania’s DUI Task Forces, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement statewide will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the crackdown.

The legal blood-alcohol content in Pennsylvania is 0.08 percent for motorists over age 21. For underage drivers, the blood-alcohol limit is 0.02 percent.

DUI penalties can include jail time, license suspension and fines of between $500 and $5,000.

During 2011, there were 11,778 alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania, according to PennDOT data, in which 425 people were killed. In 2010, there were 11,682 alcohol-related crashes, according to PennDOT, in which 444 people were killed.

Funding comes from part of PennDOT’s statewide distribution of $4.2 million in federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Visit www.JustDrivePA.com for more information on impaired driving and PennDOT’s other important traffic-safety initiatives.