Ten Killed in Crashes Investigated by State Police Over Thanksgiving Holiday

Pennsylvania State Police investigated fewer highway fatalities this Thanksgiving weekend than last year, but they were busy writing thousands of citations. 

Ten people were killed over the five day holiday weekend in crashes State Police investigated. Half were not wearing seatbelts according to spokeswoman Maria Finn.   Four of the fatal crashes were alcohol related.  Last year, 17 people died in Thanksgiving weekend crashes. Six of the crashes over Thanksgiving 2010 were alcohol-related and 11 of the victims were not wearing seatbelts.

State troopers issued 8,647 speeding citations this year, compared to 7,393 last year. 484 people were arrested for driving under the influence, compared to 417 last year. 994 were cited for not wearing seatbelts, compared to 932 last year. 94 were cited for failing to properly restrain children, compared to 70 last year.  There were 1,007 crashes with 10 deaths and 326 injuries this year.  Last year there were 1,091 crashes with 17 deaths and 343 injuries.