Police warn against DUI, aggressive driving

Happy Thanksgiving, readers. After you partake of your turkey and the trimmings, digest these tidbits about being safe on the roads.

Even though state agencies and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say staying home is the best way to protect against the spread of the coronavirus, many people are still expected to spend time traveling during this holiday and into December and the New Year.

In hopes of keeping holiday revelers from drinking and driving or becoming overly aggressive behind the wheel,

Bethlehem police and other agencies will be conducting enforcement action on city streets through the end of the year.

Lt. Michael Leaser said in a news release that Bethlehem police and more than 200 municipal police departments statewide will target motorists exhibiting signs of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

As well, Leaser said, police will watch for aggressive drivers who are speeding, tailgating, running red lights, or committing other careless acts that could harm them or others.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, citing PennDOT crash statistics, says more than 4,300 impaired driving accidents occurred on state roads during holiday periods covering the last three years, with 100 deaths.

And the group noted in a news release that “Operation Safe Holiday” has started and runs through Jan. 1, and December is National Drunk and Drug Impaired Driving Prevention Month, as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“If you drive impaired, you will be arrested,” the group said in a news release. “Don’t let a bad decision ruin the holidays for you and your family.”

You can read more about the DUI group at padui.org.