Lancaster County police will amp up DUI enforcement efforts over the St. Patrick’s holiday, when 10 people died in DUI-related crashes last year in Pennsylvania.
A pair of stationary checkpoints and numerous roving patrols are planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday – expected to be the peak partying days for the holiday.
Over 1,000 DUI-related crashes were reported in Pennsylvania last year over the St. Patrick’s Day week, according to PennDOT.
This week, the Lancaster County DUI Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police have Lancaster County-wide strategies to keep intoxicated drivers off the roads.
Those drinking alcohol are encouraged to take an Uber, taxi, or a driver who hasn’t been drinking. All motorists should be alert for potentially-intoxicated drivers.
The roving patrols - officers in vehicles looking specifically for erratic or impaired drivers - will happen throughout the three days.
The two checkpoints are planned for evening/night hours at undisclosed locations.
“People will be drinking, we are well aware of that,” Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said Wednesday. “Those who are also driving, be warned: Our officers will be all over the county and will be especially vigilant.”
The county’s DUI Task Force is composed of police officers from county municipal departments, along with personnel from District Attorney Stedman’s office.
On average, more than 1,500 drivers are charged with DUI each year in Lancaster County, according to DA Stedman’s office.
(Photo courtesy of Greg Leaman)
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright