Pennsylvania State Police: Fatalities Drop During Holiday Driving Period

Number of Crashes Also Decreases Compared to 2005, State Police Report

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 5 -- The number of people killed in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the Labor Day holiday driving period decreased from 12 in 2005 to five this year, Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said today.

"Although the total number of crashes increased from last year, I'm pleased to report a dramatic drop in fatalities and a slight decrease in injuries," Miller said.

He noted that of the 12 persons killed during last year's holiday driving period, eight were not wearing seat belts. This year, only three of those killed were not wearing seat belts, he said.

"If everyone would buckle up each time they get in a vehicle, we would significantly reduce the number of people killed and injured on our highways," Miller said.

He said that in addition to the five fatalities, 310 persons were injured in the 870 crashes to which troopers responded during the holiday driving period (Friday, Sept. 1, through Monday, Sept. 4). Miller said 91 of the crashes, including three of the fatal crashes, were alcohol-related.

During last year's Labor Day holiday driving period, 353 individuals were injured in 665 crashes.

Miller said troopers issued 5,702 speeding citations, arrested 336 for driving under the influence, cited 241 for failing to wear seat belts and issued 29 citations for not securing children in child safety seats during this year's holiday driving period.

The crash numbers cover only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on crashes to which other law-enforcement agencies responded.

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