The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) are reminding motorists to wear seat belts, drive sober, and avoid distractions as part of “Operation Safe Holiday.”
The campaign began November 10 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization, which runs through November 30. The Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign started November 19 and continues through January 1.
Law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and traffic safety patrols to target impaired driving.
According to PennDOT data, between November 27, 2024, and January 2, 2025, there were 857 alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 18 fatalities and 542 suspected serious injuries. There were also 307 drug-related crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities and 267 serious injuries.
Pennsylvania law requires all occupants under 18 to wear seat belts. Drivers and front-seat passengers must also buckle up. Children under age two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat; those under age four must be in an approved child safety seat, and children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.
The recently enacted Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even when stopped in traffic. Drivers may still use hands-free technology for calls, GPS, or music.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission expects about 3.4 million travelers during the Thanksgiving period, with the heaviest traffic expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Motorists can report road issues or request assistance by dialing *11.
PID reminds drivers that safe habits, including consistent seat belt use and following traffic laws, help reduce crashes and can lower insurance costs. The agency also encourages drivers involved in crashes to document the scene, exchange information, and contact their insurers promptly.
More information about traffic safety and crash reporting is available at:
- PennDOT Safety Resources: www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety
- Insurance Questions or Complaints: pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675)
- Road Conditions: www.511PA.com or by calling 5-1-1.
Both the seat belt and impaired driving enforcement campaigns are funded through PennDOT’s annual allocation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
