The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, has announced the results of the New Year’s holiday enforcement period which began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

The safety initiative Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program targeted drivers who aggressively operated their motor vehicle in a dangerous manner, including speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.

Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers and Drug Recognition Expert troopers specifically focused on apprehending motorist who operated their motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The following data was released by the troop:

Crash Data

Total crashes, 32 in 2021-22, 23 in 2019-2020; number of people injured, 3 in 2021-2022, 5 in 2019-2020; and alcohol related crashes, 3 in 2021-2022, 2 in 2019-2020.

Police recorded no instances in the categories of fatal crashes for both 2021-2022 and 2019-2020.

Enforcement data

DUI arrests, 25 in 2021-2022, 13 in 2019-2020, speeding citations, 116 in 2021-2022, 310 in 2019-2020, child passenger seat citations, 11 in 2021-2022, 27 in 2019-2020, seat belt citations, 9 in 2021-2022, 27 in 2019-2020, occupant protection warnings (adults and children), 11 in 2021-2022, 27 in 2019-2020, other traffic citations, 527 in 2021-2022, 645 in 2019-2020, and self-initiated criminal arrests, 18 in 2021-2022, 22 in 2019-2020.

Police reminded motorists there will be increased patrols as part of the continuing effort toward traffic safety throughout 2022. The remind motorists the law requires them to slow down and steer clear of incidents in which driver’s observe flashing lights.

Police said the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, stipulate 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, which carries 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.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.