Troopers Cited 783 for Not Using Seat Belts; 109 for Not Securing Children

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Six people died and 262 others were injured in 746 crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the Aug. 31– Sept. 3 Labor Day holiday driving period, Commissioner Frank Noonan said today.

Of the total crashes, 88 were alcohol-related, including one fatal crash.

During the four-day holiday travel period, troopers arrested 440 persons for driving under the influence, issued 7,761 speeding citations, and issued 109 citations for not securing children in safety seats.

Troopers also cited 783 people for failing to wear seat belts. Failure to properly wear a seat belt remains one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in crashes.

"If everyone would buckle up each time they get in a vehicle, we would reduce the number of people killed and injured on our highways," Noonan said. "Drivers must insist that all passengers wear a seat belt.

"They work best when everyone is buckled and children are properly restrained in the back seat. Please buckle up; not only is it the law, seat belts really do save lives," he added. 

During last year's Labor Day holiday travel period (Sept. 2-5, 2011), nine people died and 351 others were injured in 783 crashes investigated by troopers.

The statistics include only those incidents investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and do not include data from incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

Learn more about the PA State Police online at www.psp.state.pa.us.

Media contacts: Maria A. Finn, 717-783-5556

SOURCE Pennsylvania State Police