Those planning to attend parties or frequent bars on Thanksgiving Eve in Lancaster County are urged to use caution and not drive after drinking alcohol.

All motorists should use caution on county roadways as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically one of the biggest drinking/party nights of the year.

Police in Lancaster County are aware of that, and plan to patrol for intoxicated drivers – at least one stationary checkpoint is planned for Wednesday night.

A task force of officers from county police departments will be at the checkpoint, as well as on the roads targeting intoxicated drivers.

On average, more than 1,500 drivers are charged with DUI each year in Lancaster County, according to Assistant District Attorney Ande Gonzalez.

“Drugged-driving” charges are on the rise here and across the state.

DUI crashes involving, marijuana, prescriptions drugs, and other substances are up 33 percent in Pennsylvania over the past five years.

Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman’s office advises those drinking alcohol over the Thanksgiving holiday to do so responsibly by using designated drivers, public transit and taxi/Uber drivers.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright