According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there were 44,531 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests in 2021, an increase from 40,237 in 2020. Of all charges for DUI, charges for drugged driving continue to account for more than 1/3 of all charges filed under the DUI law. There were 35,023 such charges filed in 2021, a slight increase from 34,364 in 2020. This number was 15,445 a decade ago.
ATSPA and South Central PA Highway Safety offer the following tips to prevent needless death and injuries.
- Keep yourself, families, and other motorists safe by designating a driver or not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never mix medications with alcohol. Mixing certain medications or illegal drugs with alcohol can exaggerate alcohol’s effects and cause greater impairment.
- “Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery” includes motor vehicles. Follow prescription drug labels related to driving.
- Do not use illegal drugs, they are especially dangerous when combined with driving.
For more information on impaired driving or preventing vehicle related injuries, visit the PennDOT Website.
