BETHLEHEM, Pa - The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M – Bethlehem has announced the official Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement period which commences at 12:01 am on Friday, May 24, 2024, and concludes at 11:59 pm on Monday, May 27, 2024.
This safety initiative P.A.D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) targets drivers who aggressively operate their motor vehicle in a manner which is dangerous to members of the public, including speeding, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions.
Troopers will also be concentrating their efforts on distracting drivers who violate the following:
Title 75 § 1621 Texting While Driving
Title 75 § 1622 Handheld Mobile Telephone
Title 75 § 3314 Prohibiting Use of Hearing Impairment Devices
Title 75 § 3316 Prohibiting Text-Based Communications
Title 75 § 3714 Careless Driving
Title 75 § 3736 Reckless Driving
In addition, S.T.E.A.D.D. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers) and D.R.E. (Drug Recognition Expert) Troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorists who operate their motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the news release.
During the Memorial Day Holiday Traffic Enforcement period of 2023, Troop M (Lehigh County, Northampton County and Bucks County) Troopers investigated a total of 42 crashes and made 31 Driving Under the Influence Arrests:
Crash Data Enforcement Data Motorists are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, which stipulates that any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a Felony of the 3 rd Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.
Motorists are reminded there will be increased patrols as part of their continuing effort toward traffic safety and also request to take special attention when driving this summer season.
When you see flashing lights, slow down.