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PennDOT, Safety Partners Highlight Holiday Traffic Safety Across Southeast Pennsylvania

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As the busy holiday travel season approaches, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, West Chester Borough Police Department, West Goshen Township Police Department, AAA, and the Chester County District Attorney held a press event today at the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester. The event aimed to remind drivers about the importance of safe driving practices and the consistent use of seat belts.

Operation Safe Holiday began on November 11 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving enforcement mobilization and will continue until December 1. Pennsylvania law mandates that all occupants younger than 18 must wear seat belts when traveling in a vehicle. Drivers and front-seat passengers are also required to buckle up. Children under two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, while children under four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Furthermore, children must use a booster seat until their eighth birthday.

“Buckling up takes less than three seconds and is the most effective way to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a vehicle crash,” said Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Kelly MacIntyre. “We want everyone to arrive safely at their Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings, and wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to help ensure a safe arrival.

Along with ensuring that everyone is wearing a seat belt during holiday travel, PennDOT reminds motorists that alcohol is not the only substance capable of impairing a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can impair a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Motorists should carefully read and follow all warning labels, especially those that caution against “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a vehicle.

Throughout Operation Safe Holiday, law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols beginning Wednesday, November 20, through the New Year’s holiday to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

State Police on Patrol in Upper Bucks County
Credit: Jeff Bohen Lower Bucks Source

“When you get on the road, you are pledging to use safe driving practices to keep all road users safe,” said West Chester Borough Police Department Lt. James Gorman. “Anyone heading out to a bar or party must commit to staying sober for the night if they are driving or arrange for a sober ride home before they begin to drink alcohol.”

According to PennDOT 2023 data, there were 506 crashes resulting in five fatalities in the Philadelphia region during the Thanksgiving travel period beginning Wednesday, November 22, and running through Monday, November 27. Of those, 47 crashes and three fatalities were impaired-driving related.

“With nearly 72 million Americans expected to be on the road during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, those who choose to drive while impaired are endangering not only themselves but also millions of others,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic Manager of Public and Government Affairs Jana Tidwell. “It is never acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are buzzed, drunk, or otherwise impaired. The risk of injury or death to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers is not worth it, especially when there are plenty of options available to get home safely. AAA encourages everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family without facing the devastating consequences of impaired driving. With so many easy alternatives to avoid driving after drinking, there is no reason to take that risk for yourself or others on the road.”

Before you go out, plan ahead for a safe celebration:

  • Always drive 100 percent sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
  • Before you have even one drink, designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one.
  • You have options to get home safely: designate a sober driver or call a rideshare or taxi. Getting home safely is always worth it.
  • If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
  • If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.

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Emergency Crews Prepare for Incoming Blizzard as Lower Bucks Municipalities Declare Storm Plans

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Credit:: Veinna Carcel

Lower Bucks municipalities have declared disaster/snow emergencies in advance of the expected snow storm that the National Weather Service says will dump anywhere between 14 to 18 inches on the area.

A winter storm warning is still in effect from Sunday, Feb 22 to Monday, Feb 23.

Each municipality has its own link. For more information and updates, please click on their associated link.

Bensalem Township Disaster Emergency declared immediately for the pending snow storm. Click here to see more details.

Bristol Borough – Snow information/requirements have been posted on their website. Click here to see the details. 

Bristol Township – Snow Emergency effective 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 through 12 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Click here to see more details.

Falls Township – Snow Emergency starts Sunday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. and expires on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 a.m. Click here for details.

Langhorne Borough – Snow Emergency starts Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon until Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. No parking. Click here for details.

Lower Makefield Township – Snow information has been posted on Meta. Click here to see the details.

Middletown TownshipSnow Emergency is in effect from Sunday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 23 at 12 p.m. . Click here to see details.

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Morrisville Borough Snow Emergency is in effect from Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.  Click here to see the details.

Newtown Township –  A Snow Emergency is in effect from 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 until 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.  Click here to see the details.

Penndel Borough – Snow Emergency has been declared from 12 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through 12 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026. Click here for more details and click here for more on the ordinance.

Tullytown Borough – Snow Emergency proclamation in effect from Sunday Feb. 22 – 6 p.m. to Monday Feb. 23 – 6 p.m. Click here to see more details.

Warminster Township – Disaster Emergency has been declared for the incoming snow storm, effective Sunday  Feb. 22, 2026 at 12 p.m. through Tuesday, Feb. 24,2026 at 12 p.m..  Click here to see the details and click here to see the declaration from Township Manager Tom Scott.

Yardley Borough – Snow Emergency proclamation in effect from Sunday Feb. 22 – 4 p.m. to Monday Feb. 23 – 4 p.m. . Click here to see the details. and click here to see declaration/other information from Mayor Caroline Thompson.

The primary concern is safety.  Take care of yourselves and check on neighbors and those who may be vulnerable.

Please stay safe, take all necessary precautions, and keep your devices charged.

Click here for updates from the National Weather Service 

Click here for PECO’s outage map.

 

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Buyers Beware: Thieves Are Using Social Media to Sell Stolen Vehicles, Cops Say

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Police across the commonwealth are warning consumers looking to purchase vehicles online about an uptick in reports in which thieves are using social media based sites to sell stolen vehicles.

Police departments across  Pennsylvania are seeing an uptick of cases in which criminals are using channels like Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen vehicles, often with counterfeit titles or falsified paperwork, law enforcement officials say.

At least one investigator reported, investigators say, that of the vehicles recovered, almost none of them exhibit signs of tampering or damage.

Be cautious and help protect yourself:

  • Verify Vehicle History: Always check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and run a full vehicle history report.
  • Avoid Cash-Only Transactions: Use traceable payment methods and meet sellers in safe, public locations.
  • Inspect Carefully: Look for signs of tampering and never buy a car without confirming its ownership and documentation.

And always remember, authorities say,  if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Stay alert, stay safe, and don’t let a quick deal turn into a costly mistake.

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DA-Elect Khan Prepares to Take Office; Transition Team to Seek Community Input

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District Attorney-elect Joe Khan earlier this month formally announced the launch of his Transition Committee.

Khan thanked outgoing District Attorney Jennifer Schorn for her support during this process.

For the remainder of 2025, the Transition Committee will advise Khan as he prepares to take the oath of office in January, a transition team spokesman said.

“In 2026, the committee will reorganize and seek community input for reforms that can be recommended to Khan during his first 120 days in Office. The Committee will conclude its work by assessing and reporting on the status of any recommended actions and strategies,” officials said in a release.be

Last week Khan announced Brendan Flynn (Chief of Staff) Kristin McElroy (Chief Deputy District Attorney) and Elizabeth Oquendo (First Chief of Civil Enforcement) would be joining his team.

“Brendan’s life in public service began at age 18 when he was sworn in at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and has included service as a homicide prosecutor in Philadelphia and as an aide to then-Congressman Patrick Murphy in Bucks County. I’ve worked with Brendan to resolve high stakes matters over the last few years and I can’t wait for him to step into this critical new role serving and protecting our community!,” said Khan.

Flynn also co-chairs the transition team.

Credit: Submitted

“KMac” is an exceptional public servant who has dedicated her career to protecting the most vulnerable in Bucks County. Her integrity, energy and work ethic will set the standard of excellence in this exciting next chapter of the DA’s Office!,” the DA elect said.

“Oquendo will be returning to Bucks from the PA Attorney General’s Office, where she has enforced consumer protection laws to keep us safe from unscrupulous business practices. I am so excited to work with Elizabeth again!,” Khan said.

“I’m blown away by the talent and wisdom of these legal superstars and grateful for their counsel as we equip the DA’s Office to address the 21st century challenges facing crime victims, working families, and our environment,” the DA-Elect said.

Khan was elected District Attorney this past November earning 54% of the vote, winning more votes than any candidate for this office in the history of Bucks County, according to his transition team.

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