Pennsylvania State Police to target aggressive driving during Thanksgiving enforcement period

Pennsylvania State Police plan to increase patrols to combat aggressive driving over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

State Police from Bethlehem -based Troop M announced the enforcement, titled “Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program,” will commence at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and run until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. The enforcement annually targets aggressive driving on state highways. The troop covers Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties.

Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M, said troopers will be on the lookout for motorists who are speeding, having potential seat belt violations and those with child seat belt infractions. Additionally, troopers will be watching for texting while driving, handheld phone use, careless driving and reckless driving, Branosky said.

Troopers involved in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers and Drug Recognition Expert campaigns additionally will be focusing on apprehending motorists who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A DUI checkpoint also is planned during the Thanksgiving enforcement period somewhere in Northampton County. The checkpoint involves troopers systematically stopping vehicles at selected locations to briefly observe drivers for articulable facts and/or behaviors normally associated with alcohol or drug impairment, state police said.

During last year’s Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement Period, Troop M investigated a total of 80 crashes and made 27 DUI arrests, according to state police.

Anyone who flees a police officer during a traffic stop can face a third-degree felony charge which carries a sentence of up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000, Branosky said.