STATE OFFICIALS URGE SAFETY AHEAD OF FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is just days away and state officials are making sure safety is a top priority by all who celebrate.

Members from PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, PA Fish and Boat Commission and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources spoke in Harrisburg yesterday urging safe and responsible celebrations for this weekend.

PennDOT Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser said that the Independence Day holiday weekend is a time of celebration, but all who celebrate should plan ahead, especially if alcohol is involved.

Keiser headlined his speech with some statistics from last year’s Fourth of July weekend.

State police and local law enforcement partners have a zero tolerance policy towards impaired, aggressive and distracted driving, as well as speeding and state police commissioner Robert Evanchick encourages drivers to slow down, buckle up and drive safely.

Roving patrols and checkpoints will be enacted throughout the weekend as well.

Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer said that boating under-the-influence arrests decreased by 60 last year, but he shared the sentiments of Keiser and Evanchick, encouraging boaters to stay safe while on the water and to not operate a boat while impaired.

Travel restrictions may be affected this weekend and drivers are encouraged to check the 511PA mobile app for changing conditions.