Pennsylvania State Police have announced that stationary and rolling traffic checks will be done this week to curb drivers from driving while intoxicated.
The most traveled holiday period of the year is Thanksgiving weekend, and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend. Thanksgiving Eve is even referred to as “Black Wednesday,” as it may be the busiest night of the year for bars. Social binge drinking (consumption of a high volume of alcohol in a short period of time) is also common at this time of year.
State Police urge those who participate in alcohol consumption to designate a sober driver in order to keep everyone safe on the highways.
On Sunday, State Police initiated a traffic stop on North Jefferson Street in Kittanning Borough on November 18 shortly after 1AM due to an equipment violation with the vehicle. While speaking with an unidentified 25-year-old male driver, Trooper Bauer suspected the man to be driving while intoxicated. The driver was subsequently arrested and taken for a legal blood draw.
An hour later, State Police made a traffic stop on the 100 block of Jacob Street in Kittanning after a driver committed multiple traffic violations of November 18 at 2:25 AM. After further investigation, the driver was found to be intoxicated. The unidentified 25-year-old female from McGrann was transported to ACMH Hospital where a blood test was conducted. Charges are pending lab results.