Pennsylvania State Police at Bethlehem said in a news release this week that they plan to patrol “aggressively” for DUI drivers and as part of other traffic safety initiatives over the Independence Day weekend.
According to police, during the holiday period, Troop M “will provide enhanced traffic enforcement under Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program), (and) Operation Strike Force, an initiative which calls for monthly DUI checkpoints in Troop M’s jurisdiction.”
“State police patrols will focus on violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, speeding, reckless driving and passenger violations,” the release stated. “Motorists committing traffic violations can expect to be cited for the violation.”
During the 2015 Independence Day travel period, state police at Bethlehem said they investigated 21 traffic crashes–three of which were alcohol-related–and arrested 37 motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
“The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, urge travelers to ‘think before you drink’ and be mindful of our continuing efforts to enforce the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s legal blood alcohol limit of .08 percent while operating a passenger vehicle,” the news release said. “Motorists need to be aware of Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance Law (which) establishes serious consequences for anyone under the age of 21 who chooses to operate a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood.”
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M enforcement efforts will begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 2 and end at 12 a.m. on Monday, July 4, the news release indicated.
