PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky, Commanding Officer, Troop C, Punxsutawney, has issued the following holiday safety reminders.

Captain Petrovski is asking motorists to be extra cautious while traveling throughout the Commonwealth over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

These holidays are eagerly awaited and anticipated by young and old alike. Don’t let a moment of carelessness turn this season into a tragic memory of an automobile crash. Let the spirit of Christmas, not the spirits, govern your driving.

With the festive holiday party season in full swing, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is teaming up with 10,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide to participate In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Impaired driving enforcement campaign from December 13 to December 31, 2017.

Troopers will be patrolling roadways placing special emphasis on Driving Under the Influence, Aggressive Driving, and monitoring the speed of traffic to help make our highways safer over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

According to the NHTSA. 37,461 people nationwide were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. Twenty-eight percent (10,947) of those fatalities involved a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08. In Pennsylvania, PennDOT data shows that 297 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2016. Alcohol was a factor in 25 percent of traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania last year.

Criminal penalties for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania vary based on several factors but may include thousands of dollars in fines, a license suspension, and even prison time.

To help people make it home from their holiday celebrations safely, the NHTSA created the SaferRide smartphone app. Once installed, the app can be used to quickly pinpoint the user’s location and call a taxi or trusted friend for a ride home. The app is free and available tor Android and Apple devices.

Make sure your car is prepared for winter by insuring the tires, windshield wipers, and anti-freeze are all in good condition. It is also a great idea to carry a vehicle emergency kit that contains items such as warning devices (flares), anti-skid, a blanket and shovel

Please remember that the simple act of clicking on your safety belt is one of the most important measures to accomplish before embarking upon any trip, short or long. Failure to click it can cost you money, and more importantly your life.

With the holiday shopping season underway, Pennsylvanians are heading to malls and big box stores in search of the perfect gift for family and friends. Unfortunately, criminals will also be out — like the Grinch — looking for easy targets.

The Pennsylvania State Police offer the following tips to stay safe and reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

– Be aware of your surroundings. Many holiday crimes are “crimes of opportunity,” meaning thieves prey on easy targets.

– Try to shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you shop at night, park in well-lit areas and bring a friend or family member.

– Keep valuables out of sight. Expensive presents in the back seat of an unattended car attract criminals. Lock your packages in the trunk. Don’t wear expensive jewelry and avoid flashing large amounts of cash while shopping. Lock your car doors and take the keys. Thieves will walk through parking lots checking door handles for unlocked vehicles. Don’t make it easy for them. Lock your doors and take your keys. Every time.

– Plan for packages. If you shop online, try to have packages delivered when someone will be available accept them. You don’t want your items sitting on your doorstep for several hours while you are away. Consider having packages sent to you at work, or using the mailing address of a trusted friend or relative who is home during the day.

– Watch for con-artists. The holidays are a time of giving, but don’t let people take advantage of your generosity. Be wary of strangers who approach you in parking lots, and only donate to recognized charitable organizations.

– Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t “feel” right, it probably isn’t. Speak up and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call 9-1-1 to report an emergency,

On behalf of the Pennsylvania State Police and all members of Troop C, I wish to extend to everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

~State Police Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky

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