Law enforcement agencies across Berks County are increasing their presence on the roads this Memorial Day weekend as part of a coordinated effort to prevent impaired driving and encourage seat belt use during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The initiative, led by the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), includes seat belt checkpoints, roving DUI patrols, and sobriety checkpoints throughout the county.
The enforcement surge aligns with Pennsylvania’s “Click It or Ticket” mobilization and is aimed at reducing the number of unbelted and impaired driving crashes and fatalities. Officers will be particularly focused on nighttime hours, when impaired driving incidents tend to rise.
“While we remember all those who died fighting for our country’s freedom, Berks County Police Officers remind motorists to do their part in keeping our highways safe this holiday weekend,” said Sergeant David Bentz, DUI Enforcement Coordinator for the county. “Officers will be vigilant to arrest impaired drivers and cite unbuckled drivers who still don’t get the message.”
With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer and coinciding with high school and college graduations, officials are urging residents to celebrate responsibly. The public is encouraged to make transportation plans in advance and to designate a sober driver if alcohol is involved.
“The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” the release states. “Drinking alcohol or being under the influence of drugs do not mix with driving.”
The North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program funds and coordinates enforcement activities in ten counties, including Berks, with support from PennDOT and NHTSA.
