PA Suspended License: So I was quoted in a story about the limited work license for DUI.

The story is interesting enough and hits all the basics. I don't remember giving the quote but I've done a few over the last year and this article is a year old now. You also need to know the law states that a PA Occupational License can be given for a first or second DUI, but with a second DUI the restrictions are much tougher. A probationary license is another example of a break for someone who has been convicted of a DUI. The Probationary License has very strict restrictions that require the suspended driver to fit into a very specific situation to have their driving privilege returned to a restricted level.

By TIFFANY WRIGHT
Daily American Staff Writer
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Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:19 PM EDT

When major holidays near, random police stops and sobriety checkpoints start popping up in municipalities.

Driving under the influence (DUI) campaigns are used throughout the year to try to deter drivers from making decisions that could harm lives. And while the number of impaired drivers involved in a crash continues to fluctuate, law officials say the campaigns are helpful — even if they only reach a limited number of drivers.

“I believe that people do take this into consideration and I do believe that if there are police out there they will reconsider driving impaired,” said Pam Kane, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 9 safety press officer.

Ali Wenger, a spokeswoman with PennDOT, said drivers need to realize driving impaired is not just referring to alcohol.

“The number of alcohol-related fatalities isn’t changing much, but we have seen increased numbers of arrests for impairment,” she said. “That’s more than just alcohol. With our drug recognition training going on more officers can determine if someone is under the influence of prescription drugs or marijuana.”

Catherine Tress, a Western Pennsylvania law enforcement director for the Pennsylvania DUI Association, said agencies are looking to make an impression with DUI campaigns by making the public aware that laws will be enforced.

“Certain times of the year there is a high enforcement and we make a public education effort to try to prevent people from losing their lives or becoming arrested,” Tress said. “Thanksgiving is one of the bigger holidays that has a lot of DUI crashes and fatalities.”

According to the association, there were 186 vehicle crashes the week before Thanksgiving, with four of those fatalities. On Thanksgiving Day alone there were 213 alcohol-related crashes in the state. Ten of the crashes were fatal. The week after Thanksgiving there were 182 crashes, with seven of those fatalities.

Even though Thanksgiving is the holiday with the most DUI incidents, PennDOT and the association will launch another impaired driving campaign for Halloween.

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is noticing a trend that Halloween is becoming more known as an adult holiday party, which usually involves alcohol,” Tress said.

Officials say DUI-related accidents and deaths can be prevented with prior planning.

“Our biggest message to people is to make your arrangements before you go to a party or event,” Tress said. “That one night of enjoyment is not worth it. Nobody is saying it’s prohibition, but make your arrangements ahead of time.”

State and nationwide campaigns may not deter all motorists from driving impaired, but officials say, even if a campaign’s message reaches a limited number of people it is valuable.

“If we did it every day it would just become standard. We think it’s more of a deterrent if you go out there for a brief, two-week period of time and say ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing. Pay attention,’” Kane said.

Tress said that the combined components of education and enforcement attribute to whether a campaign makes a difference.

“With those things together — even if it saves just a few lives it’s worth it,” she said.

The Pennsylvania DUI Association states that men were most likely to be involved with DUI-related incidents. Also, most occurred during the night on a weekend.

DUI campaigns are typically formed for Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, the Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Halloween.

License Restoration Services in Pennsylvania provides assistance for drivers who have a suspended license. The service only provides an occupational limited license for those with a DUI citation who are first time offenders, according to Vincent DiAngelus, owner of the License Restoration Services. The license can only be issued once a suspension time has been served.

“It allows drivers to go to and from work, school, a doctor or therapy during limited hours of the day,” he said.

According to the Pennsylvania DUI Association, there were 534 alcohol-related accident in Pennsylvania last year.

(Tiffany Wright may be contacted at tiffanyw@dailyamerican.com. Comment on the online story at dailyamerican.com.)

Aug 23, 2010

So I was quoted in a story about the limited work license for DUI.

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By TIFFANY WRIGHT Daily American Staff Writer Rating: 0
Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:19 PM EDT
When major holidays near, random police stops and sobriety checkpoints start popping up in municipalities. Driving under the influence (DUI) campaigns are used throughout the year to try to deter drivers from making decisions that could harm lives. And while the number of impaired drivers involved in a crash continues to fluctuate, law officials say the campaigns are helpful — even if they only reach a limited number of drivers. “I believe that people do take this into consideration and I do believe that if there are police out there they will reconsider driving impaired,” said Pam Kane, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 9 safety press officer. Ali Wenger, a spokeswoman with PennDOT, said drivers need to realize driving impaired is not just referring to alcohol. “The number of alcohol-related fatalities isn’t changing much, but we have seen increased numbers of arrests for impairment,” she said. “That’s more than just alcohol. With our drug recognition training going on more officers can determine if someone is under the influence of prescription drugs or marijuana.” Catherine Tress, a Western Pennsylvania law enforcement director for the Pennsylvania DUI Association, said agencies are looking to make an impression with DUI campaigns by making the public aware that laws will be enforced. “Certain times of the year there is a high enforcement and we make a public education effort to try to prevent people from losing their lives or becoming arrested,” Tress said. “Thanksgiving is one of the bigger holidays that has a lot of DUI crashes and fatalities.” According to the association, there were 186 vehicle crashes the week before Thanksgiving, with four of those fatalities. On Thanksgiving Day alone there were 213 alcohol-related crashes in the state. Ten of the crashes were fatal. The week after Thanksgiving there were 182 crashes, with seven of those fatalities. Even though Thanksgiving is the holiday with the most DUI incidents, PennDOT and the association will launch another impaired driving campaign for Halloween. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is noticing a trend that Halloween is becoming more known as an adult holiday party, which usually involves alcohol,” Tress said. Officials say DUI-related accidents and deaths can be prevented with prior planning. “Our biggest message to people is to make your arrangements before you go to a party or event,” Tress said. “That one night of enjoyment is not worth it. Nobody is saying it’s prohibition, but make your arrangements ahead of time.” State and nationwide campaigns may not deter all motorists from driving impaired, but officials say, even if a campaign’s message reaches a limited number of people it is valuable. “If we did it every day it would just become standard. We think it’s more of a deterrent if you go out there for a brief, two-week period of time and say ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing. Pay attention,’” Kane said. Tress said that the combined components of education and enforcement attribute to whether a campaign makes a difference. “With those things together — even if it saves just a few lives it’s worth it,” she said. The Pennsylvania DUI Association states that men were most likely to be involved with DUI-related incidents. Also, most occurred during the night on a weekend. DUI campaigns are typically formed for Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, the Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Halloween. License Restoration Services in Pennsylvania provides assistance for drivers who have a suspended license. The service only provides an occupational limited license for those with a DUI citation who are first time offenders, according to Vincent DiAngelus, owner of the License Restoration Services. The license can only be issued once a suspension time has been served. “It allows drivers to go to and from work, school, a doctor or therapy during limited hours of the day,” he said. According to the Pennsylvania DUI Association, there were 534 alcohol-related accident in Pennsylvania last year. (Tiffany Wright may be contacted at tiffanyw@dailyamerican.com. Comment on the online story at dailyamerican.com.)