State Police investigate fewer crashes over holiday

Fewer crashes were investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the Labor Day holiday weekend compared to the same time in 2018, according to a newly released report.

The four-day holiday driving period began on Aug. 30 and concluded on Sept. 2, 2019. Troopers investigated 684 crashes in that time, which represents a 5 percent decrease from the 722 crashes investigated during Labor Day weekend last year. DUI arrests were also down by 5 percent, from 643 in 2018 to 610 in 2019.

Seven people were killed in seven separate crashes this Labor Day weekend, including one crash that involved alcohol. Troopers issued 11,742 speeding citations, 849 seat belt citations, and 138 citations to travelers for not securing children in safety seats.

Troop K, which covers counties including Montgomery, Philadelphia and Delaware, responded to 88 total crashes over the holiday enforcement period. Twenty-two people were injured in those crashes and four of the 88 crashes involved alcohol.

Troop J, which responds to incidents in Chester and Lancaster counties, responded to 54 crashes over the holiday that resulted in seven injuries. Three of those crashes were alcohol related, according to police.

Troop L, which responds to incidents in Berks, Schuylkill and Lebanon counties, responded to 45 crashes involving 14 injuries. Three of those crashes involved alcohol.

These statistics cover only crashes and incidents investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.