The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), state police and the Pennsylvania DUI Association are urging motorists to celebrate Labor Day responsibly.

According to PennDOT data, there were 945 crashes resulting in 12 fatalities statewide over the holiday weekend last year from Friday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 6. Of those, 106 crashes resulting in four fatalities were alcohol-related and 38 crashes resulting in three fatalities were drug-related.

PSP troopers made 587 DUI arrests and investigated 57 alcohol-related crashes during the 2021 Labor Day holiday enforcement period. Troopers also investigated six fatal crashes with alcohol being a contributing factor in one of the fatalities.

A Tuesday news release from the organizations encourages motorists to ensure their safety and the safety of others on our roadways by designating a sober driver or arranging for alternate transportation this Labor Day weekend, and every time they drink.