Law enforcement officials in the region are ramping up patrols on roads and waterways this Fourth of July weekend as they keep watch for impaired driving and boating.
State and federal authorities, including Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, gathered in Philadelphia earlier this week to issue a warning ahead of the holiday.
Enforcement efforts began Thursday morning and will continue through Sunday night.
Pennsylvania State Police, including Troop M which patrols Bucks County, will have specially trained troopers on the roads to identify intoxicated drivers. They will also be targeting speeders and violations of seat belt and child safety seat laws.
During the 2024 July 4th weekend, troopers in Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties responded to 57 crashes and made 34 DUI arrests.
On the waterways, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission waterways conservation officers are participating in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign to enforce boating under the influence (BUI) laws.
Officials said that the waterways officers are trained to identify signs of impaired boating and conduct sobriety tests on the water.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said 10 people died in boating incidents in the Keystone State law year and drinking or doing drugs were factors in at least two of the cases.
The state reported that 33 people were arrested for BUI last year.
Authorities reminded the public that the legal limit for operating any vehicle or watercraft, powered or unpowered, is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent.
“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Trooper Jessica Tobin. “There will be no leniency shown. We are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”
Jim French, Pennsylvania DUI Association Regional Program Administrator, stressed the financial and personal costs of impaired driving.
“Always remember that spending a few dollars on a ride home is much cheaper than facing a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. It’s important not to feel too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride,” said French. “Plan ahead if you intend to drink during the Independence Day holiday, and always decide how you’ll get home before you start drinking. Impairment can cloud your judgment, so make sure to arrange for a sober driver for a safe ride home.”
Boaters are encouraged to wear life jackets, create a float plan, check weather forecasts to avoid summer storms, and designate a sober operator for their boat.
Officials from PennDOT and the U.S. Coast Guard also participated in the event.
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