State police report increased DUIS, decreased crashes this holiday weekend

Pennsylvania State Police have released some of their holiday traffic numbers.

Between Saturday and Monday, troopers investigated 404 crashes. Three of those crashes were fatal. In total, there were 70 injuries in those crashes.

Alcohol played a role in 36 of all of those crashes.

The number of crashes decreased from last year when troopers were called to 661 crashes.

DUI arrests increased this year. Last year 116 people were arrested for DUIs. This year that number rose to 198.

1.036 speeding citations were issued, more than doubling the amount from last year.

“Speeding is a big issue during the holiday season. My advice for that is leave early so you’re not in a rush. And make sure to follow the speed limit,” said Trooper Kalee Barnhart with PSP Troop B.

In Pittsburgh specifically, there was one fatal crash on the Parkway, two DUI crashes and 35 drivers caught speeding. And, there was a significant change in the number of crashes.

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“Troop B during the holiday weekend, investigated 63 crashes last year, and this year we investigated 39 crashes,” Trooper Barnhart said.

Trooper Barnhart attributes the decrease in crashes to the weather and maybe less aggressive driving.

With New Year’s Eve celebrations this weekend —Trooper Barnhart says state police will once again be out in force — on the lookout for impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

“I want everyone to know that DUIs are 100% preventable. We just want everyone to get to where they’re going safely,” Barnhart said.

State police recommend having a designated driver or using a ride-sharing service, instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

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