PA State Police To Target Bucks Co. Drivers Over Thanksgiving Holiday

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police will be out in force in Lower Bucks County, making sure that roads and highways are safe for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, has announced its Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period will begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Troop M covers Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

The safety initiative dubbed P.A.D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) will target drivers who aggressively and dangerously operate vehicles in terms of speeding, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions.

In addition, S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E. (Drug Recognition Expert) Troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorists who operate their motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement Period of 2024, Troopers investigated 67 crashes and made 33 Driving Under the Influence arrests.

Troopers will also be concentrating their efforts on distracting drivers who violate:

• Texting While Driving
• Handheld Mobile Telephone
• Prohibiting Use of Hearing Impairment Devices
• Prohibiting Text-Based Communications
• Careless Driving
• Reckless Driving

Troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Drivers are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, which stipulates that any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a Felony of the 3rd Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.