The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is warning people not to get behind the wheel if they have been drinking over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Pennsylvania State Police and local police will be looking for impaired drivers throughout the weekend.

The following police departments are participating in their local DUI Task Forces:

  • Crawford County – Cambridge Springs, West Mead, Cochranton, and Linesville police departments
  • Erie County – Erie County Detectives, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and Millcreek Township, Edinboro, and Lawrence Park police departments
  • Mercer County – City of Hermitage, Sharpsville Borough, Sharon, and Farrell police departments
  • Venango County – City of Franklin and Sugarcreek Borough police departments
  • Warren County – City of Warren, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Youngsville Police Department

In 2018, there were 592 impaired driver crashes, including 25 fatalities, in the six counties included in PennDOT’s northwest region. In 2017, there were 699 impaired driver crashes, including 20 fatalities; and in 2016 there were 689 impaired driver crashes, 17 of which included fatalities.

PennDOT is offering the following safety tips for holiday celebrations:

  • Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if alcohol is consumed.
  • Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, or use a ride share app.
  • Never let a friend drive impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Remember, consuming small amounts of alcohol can still impair you enough to get a DUI.
  • As a pedestrian, only cross the street at designated crossings.