PUNXSUTAWNEY – Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky, commanding officer of the Pennsylvania State Police – Troop C, Punxsutawney, would like to remind motorists to use caution when traveling over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“With Labor Day being the last major holiday of the summer, people will take the opportunity to picnic and gather with friends and relatives,” he said. “Please remember to obey the posted speed limit and to buckle up while traveling to those events.”
As with all major holiday travel periods, troopers will be aggressively patrolling the roadways and placing special emphasis on specific violators, such as motorists who speed, drive aggressively, under the influence, etc., as well as be attentive for any operators or passengers who don’t wear seatbelts, Petrovsky said.
“Young drivers have been the center of attention lately with new laws being passed to help ensure safe roadways,” he said. “Distracted driving is a noticeable problem, especially with young drivers. Remember, it is against the law to text while driving, and a junior operator shall carry no more than one passenger less than 18 years of age for their first year of driving.”
He also reminded motorists that with schools opening, it brings many more pedestrians near area roadways. He said the state police ask that motorists pay close attention to the areas around the roadways and to take extra caution to ensure the children’s safety while waiting on the school bus.
Petrovsky said any motorist who passes a school bus with flashing red lights puts the lives of children in danger. He said violators will face a substantial fine and license suspension.
“Drive carefully and as always buckle up,” he said. “It saves lives.”