The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 488 motor vehicle crashes, which killed six people and injured 90 others, during the Christmas holiday weekend from Dec. 24-26.

Police said alcohol was a factor in 8% of the crashes, including one fatal crash, and resulted in 181 DUI arrests. State troopers also arrested 158 people on criminal charges and issued 4,007 traffic citations.

Police pointed out data on 2020 was not collected during the holiday period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the 488 crashes this year compares to 376 crashes that police investigated in 2019. Two years ago, for the same period, there were no fatal crashes, however 78 people were injured in Christmas holiday incidents.

The 181 DUI arrests that officers made this year compares to 179 that were made in 2019.

Enforcement data on troops in the Times News area had the following results:

Troop N

- barracks in Lehighton, Hazleton, Fern Ridge and Stroudsburg - 32 crashes with 1 fatal crash in which 3 were killed, six injured, five DUIs, 50 speeding citations, two child seat violations, nine seat belt violations, 198 other citations and four criminal arrests.

Troop L

– barracks in Frackville and Schuylkill Haven – 29 crashes, 11 injured, 6 alcohol crashes, 15 DUIs, 106 speeding citations, two child seat violations, seven seat belt violations, 139 citations and 23 criminal arrests.

Troop M

– barracks in Fogelsville and Bethlehem - 37 crashes with one fatal crash, one killed, six injured, four alcohol crashes, one alcohol fatal, 17 DUIs, 98 speeding citations, one child seat violation, eight seat belt violations, 293 citations and six criminal arrests.

Police said with New Year’s Eve celebrations still ahead this week, they will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. They remind motorists to remember to plan ahead for a safe ride home before heading out, especially if holiday plans involve alcohol.