Pa troopers step up patrols for aggressive, distracted drivers: what you need to know

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - From the skies to the roads, drivers had some difficulties Tuesday morning with icy streets. And, with wintry weather, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant while traveling. But, in Bucks County, there will be extra eyes on drivers.

In an effort to keep all drivers safe while they travel, the Pennsylvania State Police are making a special effort to crack down on aggressive, distracted and drunk driving.

In a program titled Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program, or PADEEP, troopers from Pa. Troop M began patrolling at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, looking for distracted and aggressive drivers.

Their efforts will focus on distracted drivers participating in texting while driving, or drivers distracted while operating mobile devices, careless and aggressive drivers.

The result, they hope, will be fewer accidents, fewer fatalities and safer roads.

They’ll also be enacting another acronym, STEAD, or Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers. Troopers will be targeting those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

They are asking travelers to slow down, pay attention, don’t get into a car with somebody behind the wheel who has been drinking and don’t drink and drive.

Additionally, those stopped by troopers will be ticketed, and not just issued a warning.

Troop M patrols throughout Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties.