Every year the holidays bring more celebrations, events, and people to our city.
It’s a great time to see the city all dressed up with holiday cheer and lights. It’s also a great time to get bundled up and stroll along a commercial corridor or take a bike ride to see neighborhoods lit up with lights and decorations.
As you travel the city this season, remember to move predictably, be seen, and stay alert.
We know that each year, the holiday season results in more traffic crashes than other times of the year, and we all need to watch out for each other.
During last year’s holiday season in Philadelphia, there were 71 impaired crashes recorded, with four involving a pedestrian. That is why the city is proud to join PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, and hundreds of municipal police departments statewide to participate in the “Operation Safe Holiday” campaign to increase traffic safety enforcement through the New Year’s holiday.
Here are some ways you can plan ahead to stay safe this holiday season:
- If you decide to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation, such as a taxi, ride-share service, or public transportation.
- If you decide to be the designated sober driver, do not let your friends drive impaired.
- If you are hosting a party, never allow your guests to leave without a sober driver or alternative transportation.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Remember traffic could be increased because of the holidays. Stay calm, slow down and watch out for all users of the road including people driving, walking, and biking.
The City of Philadelphia is committed to making Philadelphia streets safe for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or choice of transportation.
Philadelphia is proud to adopt Vision Zero. We prioritize human life and reject the sentiment that traffic crashes are inherently accidents.
Your choices this holiday season matter – make a plan, get home safe.
