WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) — It’s one of the biggest drinking days of the year – many people have Thanksgiving off, most college students are back home and perhaps going out with their high school friends.
But with that comes a reminder: don’t drive while impaired.
But PennDOT and its partners want you to know that driving while impaired can be disastrous.
“It really only takes one bad decision to take someone’s loved one away from him or her,” said Yasmeen Manyisha of PennDOT District 11.
That’s why PennDOT is launching its Season Impaired Driving campaign.
“We want all of our loved ones to get home safely,” said Maggie Nunley of the Pennsylvania DUI Association.
Last year, from Thanksgiving 2023 to January 2, 2024, there were 105 disability accidents in Pennsylvania. 5 people have died from this.
PennDOT and its partners are reminding people to buckle up.
“It’s the easiest way to protect your children,” Manyisha said. “It’s the easiest way to protect your friends – it’s the easiest way to protect yourself…”
They also say you should be careful how you mix alcohol and drugs and use a designated driver when driving into the bars.
“Know your limits – and make a plan,” Manyisha said.
The penalties for a DUI can be severe. You could face a fine of $500 to $5,000, six months in jail, a one-year driver’s license suspension, and mandatory driving school.
The drivers we spoke with on Wednesday also have some advice.
“Use those rideshare apps — call friends,” says Luis Moreno, a driver traveling from Illinois.
PennDOT says its campaign isn’t just about Blackout Wednesday.
Although the focus is on Wednesday evening, the campaign runs during the holidays.
