By JEFF STITT
Multiple state agencies are urging Pennsylvanians to keep safety in mind while driving, boating and using fireworks as we head into Fourth of July weekend.
The Independence Day weekend is a popular time for local travel and recreational boating along the Greater Pittsburgh area’s rivers, including the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh and places like McKeesport, Elizabeth, Monongahela, Monessen, Speers and Allenport, and the Youghiogheny River in places like West Newton, Buena Vista and the Boston section of Elizabeth Township and McKeesport.
The state agencies said Pennsylvania is a boating destination state, and boaters drive to and from their boating location. When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a BUI quickly becomes a DUI. Both are extremely dangerous for the operator, passengers and other surrounding drivers and operators.
As part of the event, representatives discussed impaired driving enforcement tactics and reminded the public how dangerous it is to operate a vehicle or watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Both can impair a person’s judgment balance, vision and reaction time, as well as impact others on the road and water around them.
During the enforcement period, which runs through Sunday, local and state law enforcement will target impaired drivers, arresting motorists with a blood alcohol content of .08 or over. Law enforcement will also patrol the waterways, ensuring boaters are capable of safe operation, according to PennDOT.
The public is reminded to have a plan in place ahead of consumption if impairment is a possibility. Designate a responsible, safe and sober driver or operator for the day.
According to PennDOT data, there were 2,591 vehicle crashes statewide last year during the Independence Day holiday week, resulting resulted in 41 fatalities. Of those, 362 were drug and alcohol related, which resulted in 20 fatalities.
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