Holiday DUIs on the rise in Pennsylvania with nearly 200 arrests over Christmas weekend
PENNSYLVANIA - It wasn't all holiday cheer on the roads this Christmas as nearly 200 people across the state of Pennsylvania found themselves in the back of a police car for driving under the influence.
DUI arrests totaled 198 over the Christmas weekend, according to a report released by the Pennsylvania State Police.
That number is up 82 from last year, which saw 116 arrests for the 3-day period from December 23 to 25.
However, overall crashes are down by more than 200 in 2023.
State police say they investigated 404 crashes this year, three of them fatal, and 70 others with injuries.
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In 2022, 661 crashes were reported to state police, where five people died and 113 were injured.
Both years saw 36 crashes involving alcohol.
The report comes just days before New Year's Eve as police say they will be on the lookout for "impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers."
"PSP reminds people to plan ahead for a safe ride home, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol."
FOX 29’s Gregory Payne spoke to PSP Communications Director, Myles Snyder and drivers in Chester County on the matter.
"The Pennsylvania State Police wants everyone to enjoy the holiday," said Snyder. "We want them to do it safely, so please slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, don’t drink and drive and please be courteous to other drivers."
"I think people need to be more responsible for the people they may hurt," said John Heaton, driver.
Troop K patrols Montgomery, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties, has 11 DUO arrests and Troop J which oversees three counties, including Chester, has 32 DUI arrests, the highest number in Pennsylvania.
"It’s news to me because I don’t see a lot of inappropriate driving that I notice," said Todd Persell, driver. "It’s too many options of ways to call somebody, to Uber, shoot, drink some more water before you leave, just be responsible so we can make it back home to our families…
As the New Year’s Eve celebrations quickly approach, law enforcement plan on being out heavily patrolling the roadways, and they urge drivers to not drive under the influence.