State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller today urged motorists to drive with care during the Memorial Day holiday driving period.

"Pennsylvanians are taking to the highways for the traditional start of the summer driving season," Miller said. "I encourage them to follow a few simple tips to help make this a safe holiday period in the commonwealth."

   Miller urged motorists to:

    * Drive defensively, not aggressively.  Don't speed, tailgate or engage
      in other dangerous driving behaviors.

    * Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained, including
      all children and backseat passengers.

    * Avoid driving, even for a short distance, if you've been drinking.

    * Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

"Drivers should have only one goal when they get behind the wheel: To get to their destination safely," Miller said. "Don't react to aggressive drivers by becoming one of them yourself. That won't help you reach your goal and it could endanger lives."

The official four-day Memorial Day driving period runs from Friday, May 27, through Monday, May 30.

According to Miller, 14 people were killed and 336 others were injured in the 773 crashes to which State Police responded during last year's Memorial Day holiday driving period.

During that period, troopers issued 6,945 speeding citations; charged 284 people with driving under the influence; cited 659 for not wearing seat belts; and issued citations to 119 for not securing children in safety seats.

Miller said troopers are participating in "All American Buckle-Up Week," May 23-30, and Operation C.A.R.E., a national program aimed at reducing crashes on interstate highways during holiday weekend driving periods.

As part of Operation C.A.R.E., an acronym for Combined Accident Reduction Effort, troopers will engage in highly visible, aggressive highway-enforcement activity through the period.

CONTACT: Tpr. Linette G. Quinn or Jack J. Lewis, both of the Pennsylvania State Police Department, +1-717-783-5556.

Source: Pennsylvania State Police Department