ALBANY – Police across New York are cracking down on impaired driving ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
New York State Police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee say the special traffic enforcement detail started Friday and will run through Wednesday, March 18.
Drivers can expect to encounter additional DWI patrols and a number of sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period.
State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors details during the campaign.
“During my years as a Trooper on patrol, I experienced first-hand the tragedies that result from impaired driving,” said State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett. “Be smart – plan ahead for a safe ride home if you will be drinking.”
“Our Troopers and law enforcement partners will be highly visible throughout this special enforcement period, and those who choose to drink and drive will most likely end up in handcuffs,” Corlett explained.
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day impaired driving enforcement, Troopers arrested 259 people for DWI, issued 371 tickets for distracted driving and 13,038 in total.
Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country. One person every 53 minutes dies from an alcohol-related crash and every one of those deaths is preventable.
Before the festivities begin, police say plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. Before you start drinking, they say to designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. If available, use your community’s sober ride program
Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, police explain.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
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