King of Prussia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today joined the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Pennsylvania State Police, Ridley Township Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and the Pennsylvania DUI Association at the Ridley Township Municipal Marina in Ridley Park, Delaware County, to promote driving and boating safety for the Independence Day holiday.
Participants discussed the need to remain vigilant while celebrating Fourth of July festivities; remaining sober while operating a vehicle or vessel is vital. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also demonstrated a mock Boating Under the Influence (BUI) stop.
From July 4 through July 6, PFBC waterways conservation officers (WCO) will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationally organized effort to conduct enhanced BUI enforcement. WCOs are trained to detect signs of impaired boating and conduct sobriety tests on the water. The public is reminded that the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle, or any powered or unpowered watercraft, is .08 percent blood alcohol concentration. In addition, boaters are reminded to wear a life jacket, have a float plan to let someone know when and where they'll be boating, check the weather forecast to avoid summer storms, and designate a sober boat operator.
According to 2023 PennDOT data, there were 929 crashes resulting in 11 fatalities in the Philadelphia region during the Fourth of July travel period, which began on Saturday, June 24, and ended on Wednesday, July 5. Among those, 66 crashes were related to impaired driving. It is important never to drive impaired. If you notice someone impaired, take their keys away to prevent them from driving. You can also designate a sober driver or use a rideshare app. Motorists should always obey the posted speed limit, avoid distracted driving, and ensure everyone is buckled up.
Always remember that spending a few dollars on a ride is much cheaper than getting a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. Never being too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride is important. As PennDOT Safety Press Officer Krys Johnson advises, plan ahead if you intend to drink during this Independence Day holiday and always plan how to get home before drinking. Impairment can cloud a person's judgment, so secure a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
Alcohol and drug use can impair a person's judgment and reaction time. Motorists who drive impaired, whether behind the wheel of a car or a boat, endanger themselves, their passengers, and others on the roadways and waterways.
"On this Fourth of July holiday, we want to emphasize that we have a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving," said Trooper Jessica Tobin. "There will be no leniency. We are highly trained to spot signs of drunk driving. Driving under the influence is illegal and a reckless act that endangers the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road. We urge everyone to prioritize road safety during the festivities. Please make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone."
PennDOT’s
media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
MEDIA CONTACT: Krys Johnson, krysjohnso@pa.gov
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