December 01, 2015
Pennsylvania State Police investigated more than double the amount of deaths resulting from crashes this Thanksgiving weekend compared to last year, the department announced Tuesday.
According to authorities, 15 people were killed in crashes during the five-day period (Nov. 25 through Nov. 29.) this year, up from seven investigated by state police last year.
In 2013, state police reported nine deaths.
State police also reported 272 injured during this year's period, which is one less than last year.
In total, state police responded to 1,013 crashes. During a weekend known for drinking, 91 of those were alcohol-related, and seven led to fatalities.
Overall, those driving in the Commonwealth over Thanksgiving weekend did worse in a number of categories compared to 2014, with speeding citations, those not wearing seat belts and DUIs all rising.
Here's a look at the rest of the state police report, which does not include statistics reported by local law enforcement agencies:
• 1,296 individuals cited for not wearing seat belts (2014: 1,113)
• 318 drivers cited for not securing children in safety seats (2014: 263)
• 14,985 speeding citations (2014: 10,222)
• 558 DUIs (2014: 493)
Troop K, which covers Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties, responded to 148 crashes over the weekend and reported three fatalities.
State police say you can find out more on their website: www.psp.pa.gov.
