Berks County law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to keep impaired drivers off the roads this summer through an increase in DUI checkpoints, roving patrols, and aggressive driving enforcement initiatives.
According to a statement from the Berks Coordinator of the DUI Enforcement Program, David M. Bentz of the Exeter Township Police Department, local officers will remain vigilant in identifying and arresting impaired drivers, especially during evening hours and weekends.
While the Pennsylvania State Police reported a decline in DUI arrests over the Independence Day holiday weekend, officials say enforcement efforts will remain strong throughout the summer. “We are trending in the right direction, but law enforcement will keep the full-court press on in taking impaired drivers off our roadways,” Bentz said.
The increased enforcement is part of a coordinated effort by the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, which serves Berks and 13 other counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The program is supported by funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Along with targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol, officers will also be on alert for those operating vehicles under the influence of drugs. Officials urge residents to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911, and to report underage drinking by calling 1-888-UNDER-21.