PA Sees Huge Drop In Christmas Crashes, DUI: State Police

PENNSYLVANIA — As it turns out, Pennsylvania drivers were much safer on the road in 2019 than in 2018, according to data from the Pennsylvania State Police.

State police issued its report following the Christmas holiday enforcement efforts.

Police said the number of crashes in 2019 was down about 41 percent from 2018. In 2018, police reported 622 crashes over a four-day period. This year, the number was down to 376 over a three-day Christmas holiday from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26.

Additionally, police said there was a 45 percent decrease in DUI arrests in 2019 form 2018. This year arrests totaled 179, compared to 330 in 2018.

Not only did these numbers drop from the previous year, police said they did not investigate a single fatal collision over midweek holiday. Last year, six people were killed in five separate crashes investigated by state police.

In addition to DUI enforcement, troopers issued 1,885 speeding citations, 181 seatbelt citations, and 17 child safety seat citations.

Full stats from this year and last year's enforcement efforts are listed below.

These statistics cover only incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on incidents to which other law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania responded.

With New Year’s Eve celebrations still ahead this week, state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Remember to plan for a safe ride home before the party begins, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.

See full details from this year's Christmas Holiday Enforcement:

2019

• Enforcement Period — three days
• Total Crashes — 376
• Fatal Crashes — 0
• People Killed — 0
• People Injured — 78
• Alcohol-Related Crashes — 40
• Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes — 0
• DUI Arrests — 179
• Speeding Citations — 1,885
• Child Seat Citations — 17
• Seat Belt Citations — 181
• Other Citations — 3,800

2018

• Enforcement Period — four days
• Total Crashes — 622
• Fatal Crashes — 5
• People Killed — 6
• People Injured — 128
• Alcohol-Related Crashes — 54
• Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes — 0
• DUI Arrests — 330
• Speeding Citations — 2,460
• Child Seat Citations — 58
• Seat Belt Citations — 298
• Other Citations — 5,434