Higher number of Thanksgiving holiday crashes reported

The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 1,116 crashes during the fiveday Thanksgiving holiday driving period from Nov. 21 through Nov. 25, 2018.

The total represents a 13.8 percent increase compared to the 981 crashes investigated during the Thanksgiving holiday driving period in 2017.

Of the 1,116 crashes investigated, 80 were alcohol related, 213 people were injured, and four people were killed in four crashes. Similarly, during the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday driving period, six people lost their lives in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Troopers made 637 DUI arrests over the long holiday weekend, up from 629 in 2017. They also issued 13,863 speeding citations, 1,256 citations for failing to wear a seat belt, and 136 citations to drivers for not securing children in safety seats.

According to State Police, Troop K, which responds to incidents in Montgomery, Philadelphia and Delaware counties, responded to 169 crashes over the holiday. Of those 169, 18 injuries were reported and seven crashes were related to alcohol.

Troop L, which responds to incidents in Schuylkill, Berks and Lebanon counties, reported 45 crashes with six injuries and four alcohol related crashes.

Troop J, which responds to Chester and Lancaster counties reported 64 crashes including one fatality. Of the 64 crashes, 22 people were reportedly injured and 10 of those 64 crashes were related to alcohol.

These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on incidents to which other law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania responded.

As the holiday season continues, drivers are encouraged to download the SaferRide app. Developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the app provides a simple interface to call a taxi or a trusted friend for a ride if you have had too much to drink.

For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www. psp.pa.gov.