PYMATUNING STATE PARK — With Fourth of July celebrations this week, authorities are working to increase public awareness of the danger of impaired driving or boating.
On Monday at Pymatuning State Park’s Jamestown Marina, multiple public safety agencies issued a reminder of the current crackdown on operating a vehicle or boat under the influence.
A statewide impaired enforcement period, which began June 17, runs through Sunday. During this campaign, law enforcement and related public safety agencies throughout the state actively are participating toward deterring impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
Pennsylvania law prohibits individuals from operating a vehicle or any watercraft while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, and other substances can impair someone’s ability to drive by slowing coordination, judgement and reaction times, authorities said. Some medications also may cause extreme drowsiness or dizziness.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data, there were 302 crashes statewide in 2023 on July 4 to 6 a.m. on July 5, resulting in five fatalities and 197 injuries. Of the 2023 crashes, three of the fatalities were the result of impaired driving.
“As you take part in Fourth of July festivities, be vigilant and never allow a friend or family member to drive impaired,” said Maggie Nunley, a regional program administrator for the Pennsylvania DUI Association. “Watch for obvious signs of impairment such as slurred speech, flushed face, or sudden changes in behavior. When in doubt, take action and arrange for a sober ride home. This simple action could save their life.”
Trooper Todd Bingman of Pennsylvania State Police said it comes down to remembering to use common sense.
“Have a designated driver, or use a ride-share program or public transportation — anything other than getting behind the wheel of vehicle or taking control of boat,” Bingman told The Meadville Tribune.
Data from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission shows there were 39 arrests for boating under the influence in 2023 during the holiday period.
Pennsylvania’s waterways are a premier destination for recreation during holiday weekends and visitors have a duty to celebrate responsibly, according to Dan Bickel, operations manager at Pymatuning State Park.
“At Pymatuning, we’re family friendly and with families we want be people to be responsible when boating and wear a life jacket,” he said.
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Highway Safety Network, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other law enforcement agencies were on hand to promote sober driving and boating.
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