Halloween DUI crackdown begins this weekend

HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are participating in a DUI crackdown beginning Friday in Pennsylvania.

Mercer and Lawrence counties will join other counties in the Commonwealth in “Operation Ghoul Busters,” an enforcement initiative targeting drunk drivers ahead of Halloween.

“Operation Ghoul Busters” will begin with roving DUI patrols from Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13, and then sustained enforcement activities throughout October.

We often hear about targeted law enforcement action like this one around New Year’s Eve of Thanksgiving, but last year in October, Pennsylvania recorded nearly 1,000 crashes involving drugs or alcohol across the Commonwealth.

According to PennDOT statistics, 430 people died in 2023 in impaired crashes.

“That’s just simply not acceptable. Those can be avoided 100% of the time just by smart decision-making for people behind the wheel,” said Saxon Daugherty, a spokesperson for PennDOT.

Maggie Nunley of the DUI Association said even one drink can impair a driver’s ability to react, and those at or above the legal limit for alcohol can see their reaction times double. She says that’s especially concerning when so many are walking on the roads for Trick-or-Treat.

“Imagine a child going across the road and it takes you double the time to react. Most likely, that’s going to end up with somebody being hurt, injured or possibly killed,” Nunley said.

The Hermitage Police Department hosted the kickoff locally and is spearheading the program for the Northwest Region in partnership with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and PennDOT.

Money for part of the program was awarded through PennDOT with federal National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) funds.

Drivers can expect similar saturation patrols in Ohio, too. Local police departments typically have extra officers on hand to patrol areas over Halloween.

It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. Plan ahead and get a designated driver or rideshare from your party.

Remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving when it comes to marijuana and drugs, even some prescription medications can alter your ability to drive.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.