PennDOT Encourages Motorists to Buckle Up, Drive Safely During Thanksgiving Holiday

Last Year's Thanksgiving Period was Deadliest Holiday on Pennsylvania Roads

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As millions of motorists prepare to hit the highways for the Thanksgiving holiday, PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., is reminding motorists that 64 people died in crashes during last year's holiday in Pennsylvania.

The Thanksgiving driving period, which includes the weekend before, the night before Thanksgiving, the holiday and the weekend after, was the deadliest of all holidays in 2006.

"I wish everyone safe and happy travels for the holiday," Biehler said. "With the extra vehicles on our roads, safe driving cannot be emphasized enough. I encourage everyone to be patient and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding and tailgating. Also, if you are going to drink, please remember to designate a sober driver."

According to PennDOT, there were 4,687 crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period last year.

To help ensure safety on the highways, Pennsylvania will again participate in the national Click-It-or-Ticket crackdown today through Sunday, Nov. 25. PennDOT is investing more than $500,000 to fund overtime enforcement by nearly 400 municipal police departments and Pennsylvania State Police. As part of Click-It-or-Ticket, motorists who are stopped and cited for a moving violation and not wearing a seat belt will receive a second ticket and second fine.

Along with practicing safe driving behaviors, PennDOT reminds motorists that weather and road conditions can change rapidly and motorists need to be alert for the changes. As a precaution, motorists should check the forecast before traveling and make sure their vehicles are ready for whatever conditions they may face. Enhanced information on road conditions and links to weather forecasts can be found at www.dot.state.pa.us.