DUI Checkpoints Planned For Labor Day Weekend

Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT are urging motorists to be careful and drive safely this holiday weekend.

State police said motorists should be patient and expect some delays on highly-traveled roads throughout the Labor Day weekend. More state troopers are expected to be patrolling the roads this weekend because of the higher volume of cars on area roads.

“With the increase in traffic, you might see significant delays around areas frequently visited during the holiday,” said Trooper Robin Mungo, a state police spokeswoman. “We ask that you obey all traffic laws and be patient.”

Meanwhile, PennDOT officials said many state police troopers and municipal officers will be out on DUI patrols as part of the weekend’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.

"People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind," PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch said. "Getting behind the wheel when you're impaired by drugs or alcohol puts your life in danger, as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you. Do everyone a favor by designating a driver."

PennDOT expects more than 600 local police departments to conduct roving patrols and checkpoints with the help of state police. PennDOT reported 169 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities during last year’s Labor Day weekend.