Bethlehem, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop M – Bethlehem has announced the official Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Enforcement period.
The Christmas Holiday enforcement period commences at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 25, 2023.
The New Years Holiday Enforcement period commences at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 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, which include speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.
Troopers will also be concentrating their efforts on distracting drivers who violate:
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 motorist who operate their motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the Christmas Holiday Traffic Enforcement Period of 2022, Troop M (Lehigh County, Northampton County and Bucks County) Troopers investigated a total of 37 crashes and made 17 Driving Under the Influence arrests.
During the New Year’s Holiday Traffic Enforcement Period of 2022 – 2023, Troop M Troopers investigated a total of 33 crashes and made 30 Driving Under the Influence arrests:
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 3rd 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.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.