Manheim Township Police Department is joining other law enforcement agencies throughout Lancaster County and the state to conduct impaired driving enforcement operations over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, which runs from March 7 through March 17.  These operations will include DUI roving patrols and/or sobriety checkpoints.

Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk.  Drivers should be safe during St. Patrick’s Day by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Alcohol impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.

If a driver finds they cannot drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

Manheim Township Police Department is committed to reducing the number of impaired driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Lancaster County.  Methods used to achieve this goal include:

• Conducting high visibility enforcement activity to deter motorists from driving impaired.
• Increasing public awareness of the dangers and consequences of driving impaired.
• Encouraging the use of shared ride services or designating a sober driver.
• Apprehending those who violate the laws of the Commonwealth.

Law enforcement reminds drivers that Pennsylvania’s legal alcohol limit is .08 for most drivers, .04 for commercial vehicles and .02 for school bus operators. Responsible adults need to be aware of the alcohol content of what they are consuming, and to remember that impairment begins with that first drink – Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

This enforcement mobilization is part of the Center for Traffic Safety’s Police Traffic Services grant from Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s impaired driving laws, risks and consequences, visit PennDOT-Impaired Driving

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Sergeant Barry E. Waltz, Jr., Cell: 717-371-5212, Office: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1505, waltzb@manheimtownshippolice.org