PennDOT says beware of drinking and driving

PennDOT, police and emergency responder agencies Wednesday reminded motorists that the holiday season is one of the most dangerous times for crashes caused by driving under the influence.

The reminder was timed to coincide with “Blackout Wednesday,” the day before Thanksgiving, which is considered one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

But they also used it to focus on the increasing trend of impaired

driving crashes surrounding the holiday season, they said in a news release following a presentation with Ross and West View first responders.

Those responders discussed the increased number of impaired driver related crashes they respond to surrounding the winter holiday season.

According to PennDOT data, from Nov. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021 there were 3,458 crashes in southwest Pennsylvania, resulting in 25 fatalities. Of those crashes, 411 were impaired driver related, resulting in nine fatalities.

Additionally, according to Ross and West View emergency responders, they responded to 1,330 emergency calls during the same period last year, but they didn’t say how many of those were crashes. It was the highest number of calls in November and December over the past four years.

PennDOT encouraged drivers to plan ahead with a designated driver, ride share app, or public transportation schedule to ensure they have a backup plan in case of impairment.

The Pennsylvania DUI Association and Allegheny County Pretrial Services remind drivers to recognize how drugs, even prescribed medications, along with alcohol, impact their ability to drive safely. Someone is considered alcohol- impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Also, drugs can mimic the same inebriation symptoms as someone with a .08 BAC.