Pennsylvania State Police

Troop M announces Independence Day holiday enforcement

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M – Bethlehem announced its official Independence Day holiday enforcement campaign 12:01 a.m. July 2 to midnight July 5.

This safety initiative, titled Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program, targets drivers who aggressively operate their motor vehicles in a manner dangerous to members of the public, including speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.

In addition, selective traffic enforcement against drunken drivers and drug recognition expert troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorists who operate their motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the 2019 Independence Day holiday traffic enforcement, Troop M, which includes troopers in Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties, investigated a total of 67 crashes and made 32 DUI arrests.

As part of this year’s enforcement, troopers advise motorists not to park their vehicles anywhere on Interstate 78, including the ramps, shoulder or center median, during the annual Dorney Park fireworks celebration.

Parking on the shoulder of the highway causes a danger to other motorists. Motorists will be cited for Title 75 Section 3353, Prohibitions in Specific Places and could have their vehicle towed.

Troopers remind the public of the updated statute allowing the public to purchase and utilize consumer grade fireworks, also called “Class C’” fireworks, however restrictions of Class C fireworks are as follows:

•Class C fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.

•Class C fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.

•Class C fireworks cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.

•Class C fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.

•Class C fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Motorists are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, fleeing or attempting to elude police, which stipulates any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a felony of the third degree, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.