PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Street Smarts, will host a press conference and community event on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at 36th and Walnut streets about safe driving practices and offer tips for staying ticket-free and safe during the holiday season.

In addition, the public can view the DUI Victims’ Moving Memorial, a 30-foot trailer featuring a hand-painted interior with a garden scene that lists the names of more than 1,000 victims of driving-under-the-influence-related crashes in Pennsylvania. 

“Last year, the number of alcohol-related vehicular deaths was 459,” Maureen S. Rush, Penn’s vice president for public safety, said.  “This is everyone’s opportunity to take a stand against impaired driving and hopefully, bring that number way down for 2011.”

This holiday season, police officers across Pennsylvania, including officers assigned to the Penn Police Department, will pay close attention to impaired and aggressive drivers, as well as vehicle occupants not wearing safety belts.

“Safety and security is a shared responsibility.  Every DUI-related death can be prevented.  All you have to do is plan ahead,” Mark Dorsey, chief of the Penn Police Department, said.  “Agree on a designated driver ahead of time or plan to take a cab.  It’s really not that hard to save your own life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of other motorists out on the road.”