Bethlehem, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop M – Bethlehem have announced the official Independence Day Holiday Enforcement period which commences at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday July 1, 2023, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
This safety initiative P.A.D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) targets drivers who aggressively operate their motor vehicle in a manner which is dangerous to members of the public, which include speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.
In addition, S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E. (Drug Recognition Expert) Troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorist who operate their motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the Independence Day Holiday Traffic Enforcement Period of 2022, Troop M (Lehigh County, Northampton County and Bucks County) Troopers investigated a total of 43 crashes and made 41 Driving Under the Influence arrests:
Troopers are also advising motorists not to park their vehicles anywhere on I-78, including the ramps, shoulder, or center median, during the annual Dorney Park fireworks celebration.
Parking on the shoulder of the highway causes a danger to other motorists traveling during this busy holiday season. Motorists will be cited for Title 75 Section 3353, Prohibitions in Specific Places, and could have their vehicle towed.
During this holiday period, Troopers are reminding the public of the updated statute which allows the public to purchase and utilize Consumer grade fireworks, or “Class C’” fireworks, however restrictions of Class C fireworks are:
They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
They cannot be discharged from or directed at a vehicle or building.
They cannot be directed at another person.
They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle.
They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, or a controlled substance or another drug.
Motorists are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, which stipulates that any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a Felony of the 3rd Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.
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