The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, along with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Insurance Department, is urging drivers to prioritize safety during the holiday travel season. The initiative, called Operation Safe Holiday, began on November 10 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization and will continue through January 1 with the Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign.
“These enforcement efforts are not about tickets, they are about saving lives,” said PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet. He emphasized the importance of planning for a safe return home by designating a sober driver or using ride-sharing services. Shifflet also highlighted the necessity of putting phones down and wearing seat belts as critical measures against injury or death in accidents.
Pennsylvania law mandates that all vehicle occupants under 18 must wear seat belts. Children under two years old must be in rear-facing car seats, while those under four require an approved child safety seat. Booster seats are necessary until a child’s eighth birthday.
Law enforcement will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and patrols to address impaired driving throughout this period. “The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone traveling on the highways and secondary roads of our Commonwealth,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. He reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving.
During last year’s holiday travel period from Thanksgiving through January 2, there were significant numbers of alcohol- and drug-related crashes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries, according to PennDOT data.
Paul Miller’s Law, which bans hand-held device use while driving even when stopped temporarily, is now in effect in Pennsylvania. This law allows phone use only for emergency alerts or hands-free functions like calls and GPS navigation.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission anticipates approximately 3.4 million motorists over Thanksgiving. PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton stressed responsible driving during this busy time: “Avoid distractions, stay vigilant and prepare for traffic.”
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department reminds drivers that safe practices can keep insurance rates stable by reducing crash risks. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Dave Buono advised wearing seat belts consistently and knowing how to handle post-crash procedures effectively.
These campaigns receive funding from PennDOT’s annual distribution from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on highway safety efforts visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
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