Law Enforcement in Erie County Intensifies Crackdown on DUI, Speeding, and Pedestrian Safety Violations as Fatal Crashes Surge
As Erie County nears last year’s traffic-related fatality figures, local law enforcement is gearing up for a series of intensified traffic enforcement campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and saving lives. With 17 fatal crashes already recorded this year—nearly matching the 18 fatalities from 2023—officials are focusing efforts on impaired driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety.
“Operation Ghoul Busters” Targets Drunk Driving
Starting this Friday, nine police departments throughout Erie County will launch “Operation Ghoul Busters”, a roving patrol initiative aimed at cracking down on impaired driving. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and coordinated by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, the operation will run throughout the weekend.
Participating departments include Erie, Millcreek, Girard, and Edinboro, with officers focusing on high-risk areas in their communities. According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, drugs and alcohol have been significant contributors to traffic fatalities, with seven crashes linked to drug use and four to alcohol this year alone.
Halloween DUI Crackdown and Beyond
In addition to this weekend’s enforcement, law enforcement across the state will ramp up efforts throughout October as part of a Halloween-focused DUI campaign, aiming to deter impaired driving during the holiday season. Lt. Gary Garman of Pennsylvania State Police Troop E confirmed that at least 13 DUI checkpoints will be set up in the region.
Multi-Faceted Enforcement Campaigns Target Pedestrian Safety and Aggressive Driving
The DUI initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle traffic dangers in Erie County. Other efforts include the “Click it or Ticket” seat belt campaign, running through October 19, and a pedestrian enforcement campaign starting next week. With five pedestrian fatalities already recorded this year, local police will focus on high-traffic areas like Peach Street and West 12th Street to ensure both drivers and pedestrians adhere to safety regulations.
Millcreek Township’s Cpl. Matthew Shollenberger emphasized the focus on pedestrian-heavy zones to prevent further fatalities, while Erie police continue targeting speeders along East 38th Street, a known hotspot for aggressive driving and fatal crashes.
Aggressive Driving Crackdown to Cap Off the Month
Rounding out the month, law enforcement will initiate an aggressive driving enforcement campaign from October 21 through November 10, targeting dangerous behaviors such as speeding and reckless driving. This effort comes in response to recent tragedies, including two serious crashes on East 38th Street that claimed two lives and injured several others earlier this year.
With traffic deaths rising, law enforcement across Erie County is pulling out all the stops to make the roads safer and prevent further loss of life.
