WILKES-BARRE — With Pennsylvania poised to become the center of some of America’s biggest moments this summer, it’s more important than ever to drive safely, said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are urging drivers to put the phone down, drive sober, and drive slower this busy summer travel season.
Beginning June 15 and running through the Fourth of July weekend, PSP and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign.
This effort is funded through PennDOT’s statewide annual distribution of more than $6.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for impaired driving enforcement.
According to PennDOT data, in 2025, there were 52 alcohol-related crashes on July 4 through 6 a.m. July 5, resulting in one fatality and 27 injuries.
During the same time, there were 11 drug-related crashes, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries.
Last summer, from June through August, there were 2,190 crashes involving impaired driving, resulting in 85 fatalities and 1,552 injuries.
Speeding is an aggressive driving factor and can have dangerous consequences. Last summer, from June through August, there were 952 crashes involving at least one speeding driver, resulting in 61 fatalities and 818 injuries.
PennDOT invests approximately $18.4 million annually in federal grant funds statewide, partnering with state and local police to deliver high-visibility enforcement, including three enforcement waves focused on aggressive driving.
The next Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave begins July 6 and runs through Aug. 16, with a focus on speeding, tailgating, red light running, pedestrian safety, and heavy truck violations.
Secretary Carroll said every driver will need to do their part for safe roadways this summer, with Pennsylvania taking center stage for several of the nation’s most high-profile sporting and cultural events — including the FIFA World Cup 26, MLB All-Star Game, and America250PA. These events will also bring millions of visitors to Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania is expecting millions of visitors, and many will drive, which is why we all must do our part to encourage safety this summer, and all year,” Carroll said. “Please put the phone down when you are driving. It’s not only dangerous — it’s now also illegal. Slow down, be kind, and never drive impaired by any substance.”
PA Turnpike prepared
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is projecting more than 58 million travelers on its system alone this summer. As major events make their way to Pennsylvania, the PA Turnpike is also ramping up its services to improve customer experience.
In 2025, the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s dedicated state police troop reported hundreds of Distracted Driving Citations on its system, especially during the busy travel period and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
The PA Turnpike is also reminding motorists to do their part to improve roadway safety, including staying focused and vigilant.
In addition, travelers will also notice the final stages of reconstruction work at its interchanges east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension. By the end of 2026, toll booth removal on this section of the PA Turnpike – the first to convert to Open Road Tolling – will be completed. Customers are already seeing safety benefits, including a more natural, free traffic flow.
“With more customers choosing the Pennsylvania Turnpike for their summer plans, the more important it is that safety remains at the forefront,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “With busy summer travel and evolving traffic patterns, staying alert is even more important. Remaining attentive and distraction-free helps everyone get to their summer destinations safely.”
According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors. The study also found that the more often drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to engage in aggressive driving.
AAA urges drivers to practice ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ this summer
Memorial Day marked the beginning of the summer driving season, a time when teens gain more independence behind the wheel, families hit the road for vacations, and celebrations bring more drivers onto the nation’s roadways.
To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving” between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This message comes at a critical time — according to a AAA review of national crash data, more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and nearly one-third of all impaired-driving fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
By making smart choices behind the wheel, like putting cell phones out of reach, following posted speed limits, buckling up, and planning ahead for a sober ride, AAA says drivers can help make summer roads safer for everyone.
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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.