DUI arrests up, crashes down in holiday weekend figures

3 fatalities statewide over holiday weekend, including one in Chesco

The Christmas weekend holiday showed a marked downward turn from last year in terms of crashes and injuries suffered by drivers, according to data released Tuesday by the Pennsylvania State Police.

“Over the three-day period (Dec. 23-25), PSP investigated 404 crashes, where three individuals died, and 70 others were injured,” according to a release. “Alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes.”

For the same period in 2022, PSP reported 661 total crashes, five of which were fatal and killed a total of seven people. There were also 113 people injured last year.

Alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes for both years. None of the fatal crashes involved alcohol in 2023, but alcohol was a factor in two fatalities in 2022.

State police also report making significantly more arrests for driving under the influence this year at 198 compared to just 116 in 2022.

Troop K, covering Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, reported 49 crashes with 11 people injured. There were no fatalities investigated by Troop K, but alcohol was a factor in five of those crashes and troopers made 11 DUI arrests.

One of the 36 crashes investigated by Troop J covering Chester County was fatal. There were also four injuries reported by Troop J and three alcohol-related crashes.

It was not yet clear Tuesday where that crash occurred. None of the press releases from the stations in Chester County — Avondale, Embreeville and Bowmansville — have a press release about it on the stations’ websites.

Statewide, PSP issued 1,036 speeding citations, 123 citations for failing to wear a seat belt and 22 citations for not securing children in safety seats.

Trooper K issued 49 speeding tickets, two child seat citations, five seatbelt citations and 266 other citations. Troopers also made 166 “self-initiated” non-DUI arrests, including three in the Troop K coverage area.

Troop J made 32 DUI arrests, issued 139 speeding citations, one child seat violation, six seatbelt citations and 291 other citations. Troopers there also made 31 self-initiated arrests.

“With New Year’s Eve celebrations coming up, state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers,” the release warned. “PSP reminds people to plan ahead for a safe ride home, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.”