Statewide, more than 730 people were arrested for DWI during the most recent Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown.
According to the State Police, 739 people were arrested for DWI from Aug. 19 through Sept. 5, with 219 during the Labor Day weekend alone. During a similar initiative last year by the State Police and local law enforcement agencies, 769 were arrested for DWI.
A total of 43,704 tickets were issued during the 18-day period including 17,555 for speeding, 1,413 for distracted driving, 2,306 for child restraint and seatbelt violations and 531 for failing to “move over.”
Last year, 47,359 tickets were issued.
While the number of DWI arrests did drop, the number of accidents increased. Law enforcement investigated 3,243 crashes this year compared to 2,973 a year ago. A total of 1,006 people were injured and 11 people were killed this year.
“Our message is very simple: Drive sober, put on your seat belt and put down your smart phone,” said State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II. “Making these smart choices each time you get behind the wheel will help avoid needless tragedies.”