The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the distribution of federal funds to help municipal and state police crack down on impaired driving through Labor Day during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.

“People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch.

“Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol puts your life in danger as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you," he said. "Do everyone a favor by designating a driver.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the $4.2 million in federal funds that PennDOT distributes. The money has been used throughout the year to help with impaired-driving patrols.

The national enforcement effort will unveil NHTSA’s new enforcement theme, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” reminding motorists of the consequences of driving while impaired. 

More than 600 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints targeting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The focus for this statewide enforcement wave is border-to-border enforcement, as police are encouraged to cooperate across county and even state borders. Pennsylvania’s efforts are part of a nationwide enforcement wave.

PennDOT recorded 169 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities during Labor Day weekend in 2010.

Visit www.DriveSafePA.org for more information on Pennsylvania’s efforts to stop impaired driving and other traffic-safety initiatives.