With the Independence Day holiday upon us, state police have issued advisories with regard to drunken driving and the use of fireworks, saying police will conduct enforcement operations for the period through to conclusion at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

State police at Bethlehem and Hazleton said officers will be on the alert for violations of state statutes in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Schuylkill and lower Luzerne counties.

Police said the safety initiative Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program will target drivers who aggressively operate their vehicles in a manner which is dangerous to members of the public, including speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.

In addition, Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers and Drug Recognition Expert troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol of controlled substances.

Meanwhile, police remind the public of the state statute that allows the public to purchase and utilize “Class C” fireworks, however, restrictions on their use include:

• They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without permission of the property owner.

• They cannot be discharged from or directed at a building.

• They cannot be directed at another person.

• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle.

• And they cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.