The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) last week joined the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Pennsylvania State Police, Ridley Township Police, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), at the Ridley Township Municipal Marina in Ridley Park, Delaware County, to promote driving and boating safety for the Independence Day holiday.
Participants discussed the need to remain vigilant while celebrating Fourth of July festivities; it is vital to remain sober while operating a vehicle or vessel. The United States Coast Guard and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also demonstrated a mock Boating Under the Influence (BUI) stop.
Credit U.S. Coast Guard
From July 1 through July 3, PFBC waterways conservation officers (WCO) will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationally organized effort to conduct enhanced BUI enforcement. WCOs are trained to detect signs of impaired boating and conduct sobriety tests on the water. The public is reminded that the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle or any watercraft, powered or unpowered, is .08 percent blood alcohol concentration. In addition, boaters are reminded to wear a life jacket, have a float plan to let someone know when and where they’ll be boating, check the weather forecast to avoid summer storms, and designate a sober boat operator.
According to 2022 PennDOT data, there were 841 crashes and nine fatalities in the Philadelphia region during the Fourth of July travel period beginning Saturday, June 25, and running through Tuesday, July 5. Of those, 64 crashes were impaired-driving related. Never drive impaired. Take the keys away from an impaired friend or loved one to prevent them from driving, designate a sober driver, or use a rideshare app. Motorists should also obey the posted speed limit, never drive distracted, and always buckle up.
A few dollars spent on a ride is much cheaper than a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. Something else to consider: Never be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. As PennDOT Safety Press Officer Krys Johnson says, allowing a sober driver to help you get home keeps you and others safe. “What’s more embarrassing than drunkenly asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car impounded. Losing your job or your security clearance. Take your pick.”
Alcohol and drug use can impair a person’s judgment and reaction time. Motorists who drive impaired, whether behind the wheel of a car or a boat, endanger themselves, their passengers, and others on the roadways and waterways.
Fike Image: State Police Cruiser in Bristol Twp
“During the July 4th holiday, we’re showing zero tolerance to drunk driving,” said Trooper Jessica Tobin. “It is illegal; however, people still drive intoxicated. We know how to identify signs of impairment. Ruining your life and someone else’s is preventable. Make the right choice.”
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