West Penn and Rush Township Police Departments are stepping up enforcement for the next few months in conjunction with PennDOT Special Project Funding through the PA Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project.

Avoiding the Summertime Blues places particular emphasis on summer travel. During this time of year where traffic volume increases and traffic crashes are a common occurrence, West Penn and Rush Township Police will be conducting details separately as well as jointly to ensure safer travel on State Route 309 throughout Schuylkill County starting Friday, June 29 through Sept. 31.West Penn Township Police will be conducting enforcement periodically and reminding motorists to "Steer Clear" or move over when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or a disabled vehicle. Drivers need to remember to move over since this law is designed to provide safety for those people responding to situations along the roadways. The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or tried to warn motorists."Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250," said Chief Johnson of West Penn Township Police. "In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. Police officers, emergency crews and those working to assist stranded motorists must be given a wider margin for safety. We are relying on everyone to do their part if they come upon such a situation by keeping themselves and others safety in mind when traveling."Rush Township Police will be conducting extra enforcement activities during the Independence Day and Labor Day Holiday weekends as well as those locations experiencing high volume of traffic and crashes within the township.TEZs or Traffic Enforcement Zones will be placed at Wednesday's Hometown Farmer's Market to ensure motorists a safe and uncongested traffic flow. Emphasis will be place on stop sign and traffic light violations as well as speeding within this vicinity.Sergeant Duane Frederick reminds the traveling public that "It's important to avoid receiving a ticket, but even more significant to avoid being involved in a crash. We want to help you arrive safely at your destination; Avoid "The Summertime Blues" and drive as though your life depends upon it."