The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined forces with several organizations to promote safety during the Independence Day holiday in Philadelphia. The initiative, held at the United States Coast Guard (USCG) facility, included partners such as the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), SEPTA, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), the Pennsylvania DUI Association, and AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Participants stressed the importance of staying sober while operating vehicles or vessels. The PFBC demonstrated a mock Boating Under the Influence (BUI) checkpoint. From July 4 to July 6, PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers will engage in Operation Dry Water, focusing on enforcing BUI laws.
Jim French from the Pennsylvania DUI Association highlighted that “spending a few dollars on a ride home is much cheaper than facing a DUI,” urging people to plan their transportation if they intend to drink. Trooper Jessica Tobin said that there would be “zero-tolerance” for drinking and driving during the holiday.
According to PennDOT’s 2024 data, there were 1,050 crashes with 15 fatalities in Philadelphia during last year’s Fourth of July period. Of these incidents, 77 were related to impaired driving.
SEPTA Deputy Chief of Police James Zuggi encouraged using public transportation for safe celebrations. For more information on highway safety efforts and traffic conditions, PennDOT provides resources online.
Information from this article can be found here.
