Crime & Safety

Township Institutes Operation "Safe Holiday"

The township advises residents to be safe and be smart.

The following is a press release from Lower Merion Township.

With the Holiday season in full swing through New Years Day, this time of the year is for family and friends to gather, parties and celebrations to take place. Usually a time of happiness, the holidays also represent days that have the highest rates of impaired driving crashes and fatalities taking place on our roads.

Driving "under the influence" is not just related to alcohol, but also includes prescription drugs, designer drugs, illegal drugs and even some over-the-counter medications which can render a person incapable of safe driving.

Related information:

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Although alcohol-related crashes accounted for approximately 10% of the total crashes in 2012, they resulted in 31% of all persons killed in crashes.
  • Never mix medications with alcohol. Mixing certain medications or illegal drugs with alcohol can exaggerate the effects of alcohol and can cause greater impairment.
  • The average BAC for DUI arrests is .17%; the legal limit is .08%.

Pennsylvania Zero Tolerance Law carries serious consequences for those under 21 convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their blood. For example, those under 21 convicted of driving under the influence with a .02 BAC, or greater, face a 12-to-18-month license suspension, 48 hours to six months in jail, and fines from $500 to $5,000.

In addition, a vehicle does not have to be involved for individuals under 21 to lose their driving privileges. Anyone under 21 convicted of consuming, possessing or transporting alcohol or lying about their age to obtain alcohol or carrying a fake ID, faces a fine of $500, plus court costs and a 90-day license suspension for the first offense.

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Lower Merion Police Department and the Pennsylvania DUI Association wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Remember to celebrate in a responsible way by arranging for a designated driver.


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