Many party-goers heeded warnings and did not drive intoxicated on Thanksgiving Eve, according to local officials who coordinated sobriety checkpoints in Lancaster city and other enforcement operations over the holiday.
Police encountered numerous Uber and designated drivers during two Nov. 23 checkpoints at separate locations in Lancaster city.
However, there were some motorists who did not opt for a responsible driver: 7 people were charged with DUI.
The DUI Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police directed the checkpoints, along with roving patrols and other enforcement details over Thanksgiving break – the highest-volume travel holiday of the year and deadliest for motorists.
Local law-enforcement officials were encouraged by the large number of Uber and designated drivers that passed through the checkpoint.
“Numerous people in Lancaster made the responsible decision not to drive impaired,” said Assistant District Attorney Ande Gonzalez. “The primary purpose of impaired-driving enforcement is deterrence, and that main objective was achieved.”
At the checkpoints, police also charged four people with drug possession and took another individual into custody for an outstanding warrant, according to Gonzalez.
On average, more than 1,500 drivers are charged with DUI each year in Lancaster County, according to District Attorney Craig Stedman.
In the context of this data, the Thanksgiving holiday is considered to be Nov. 20-30.
(Photo, courtesy of Greg Leaman, is from a prior checkpoint.)
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright