PennDOT & Safety Partners Remind Motorists & Boaters to Drive Sober & Be Safe This Independence Day

PennDOT partnered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), SEPTA, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), the Pennsylvania DUI Association, and AAA Mid-Atlantic to promote boating and driving safety in the Philadelphia region for the Independence Day holiday. This event took place at the USCG facility in Philadelphia on Thursday, June 26 2025.

Participants emphasized the importance of being cautious during Fourth of July celebrations, noting that staying sober while operating a vehicle or vessel is crucial to safety. The PFBC also conducted a mock Boating Under the Influence (BUI) checkpoint.

From July 4 to July 6, PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide initiative focused on enforcing BUI laws. WCOs are trained to identify signs of impaired boating and conduct sobriety tests while on the water.

The public is reminded that the legal limit for operating any motor vehicle or watercraft, whether powered or unpowered, is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. Additionally, boaters should remember to wear life jackets, create a float plan to inform someone about their boating itinerary, check the weather forecast to avoid summer storms, and designate a sober individual as the designated operator of the boat.

According to 2024 PennDOT data, there were 1,050 crashes resulting in 15 fatalities in the Philadelphia region during the Fourth of July travel period, which began on Saturday, June 22, and ended on Friday, July 5. Among those, 77 crashes were related to impaired driving.

File Image: Pennsylvania State Police

It is important never to drive impaired. If you see someone who is impaired, take their keys to prevent them from driving. You can also choose a designated sober driver or use a rideshare app. Motorists should always follow the posted speed limit, avoid distractions while driving, and ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts.

“Always remember that spending a few dollars on a ride home is much cheaper than facing a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. It’s important not to feel too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride,” said Pennsylvania DUI Association Regional Program Administrator Jim French. “Plan ahead if you intend to drink during the Independence Day holiday, and always decide how you’ll get home before you start drinking. Impairment can cloud your judgment, so make sure to arrange for a sober driver or take SEPTA for a safe ride home.”

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.

“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holhttps://www.septa.org/iday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Trooper Jessica Tobin. “There will be no leniency shown. We are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”

SEPTA Deputy Chief of Police James Zuggi stated that SEPTA aims for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday while celebrating responsibly. An easy way to achieve this is by using public transportation.