(WNY News Now) – The New York State Police are set to intensify patrols to tackle drunk, impaired, and reckless driving during the Labor Day weekend, from September 1 to September 4, 2023, as the state anticipates heavy holiday traffic.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli announced an increased law enforcement presence on the roads during the Labor Day weekend, emphasizing the priority of traffic safety. The surge in traffic during this holiday often correlates with a rise in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Law enforcement will be out in full force to apprehend impaired and reckless drivers, aiming to prevent potential tragedies.
Sobriety checkpoints and expanded patrols, involving both State Police and local law enforcement agencies, will be prominent features of this safety initiative. Officers will utilize marked State Police vehicles as well as Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles, which allow for more effective identification of traffic violations. CITE vehicles discreetly blend into regular traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles when their lights are activated.
The initiative receives partial funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC, in conjunction with the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation, offers the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for various smartphone platforms. This app assists New Yorkers in locating and calling taxi services, creating designated driver lists, understanding DWI laws and penalties, and reporting suspected impaired drivers.
During the 2022 Labor Day weekend, Troopers arrested 191 individuals for DWI, issued 9,580 total citations, and investigated 140 accidents, resulting in three fatalities.
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