Local authorities announced the launch of Operation Safe Holiday, aimed at reducing DUI incidents within the county throughout the approaching holiday season at an event Tuesday morning.

The holiday impaired driving campaign will take place from last Wednesday through Jan. 1, and will include high visibility enforcement efforts, including roving DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints, according to a PennDOT news release issued at the event.

“As the night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking days of the year, there is typically a significant increase in impaired driving crashes surrounding the holiday,” the release said.

During the time period from Nov. 27, 2024 to Jan. 2, 2025, 857 alcohol-related crashes occurred, resulting in 18 fatalities and 542 suspected serious injuries, the release pointed out.

On-hand for the event were representatives from PennDOT, Uber, Citizens Hose Company, Geisinger Jersey Shore, Lycoming County Coroner’s Office, Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home LTD. and the Lycoming Regional Police Department, who urge motorists to “choose your ride” responsibly while enjoying this year’s festivities.

“The consequences of driving impaired are devastating – for yourself, your loved ones and our region. The message is clear – choose a safe ride home using a designated driver, rideshare service, taxi or public transit, or risk the consequences: a ride in the back of a police car, an ambulance or worse, the back of the coroner’s truck,” said a press release from Lycoming County Regional Police Chief Chris Kriner.

Calling a safe ride home the cheapest option, the release stressed that drunk driving injuries and deaths are 100% preventable, with the average cost of a DUI violation upwards of $10,000.

Residents are encouraged to make plans for a sober ride before indulging in alcoholic beverages, the release said.

“The Lycoming County DUI task force will be out this holiday season. We’ll be looking for impaired drivers, impaired from drugs or alcohol. It doesn’t matter,” Kriner told media outlets at the event.

The taskforce is comprised of police units from across the county.

“DUI arrests are expensive fine-wise, and you could lose your license and go to jail,” he said, adding that while enforcement is important, prevention plays just as big of a role.

“Just being out there trying to prevent that and making sure the people of Lycoming County know it’s cheaper to choose the right ride, as opposed to the police car, the ambulance or, God forbid, the coroner’s truck, so, choose your ride,” he said.

The public can play an important role in preventing intoxicated drivers from hitting the roads and endangering others, the chief stressed.

“If you feel comfortable intervening, take their keys and get them a ride home,” he said.

“If not, if you see something, say something. If you’re driving down the road, and you see what you think is an impaired driver, call 911. That’s the quickest way to get the police out there and hopefully prevent fatalities, Kriner said.