(WNY News Now) – New York – In an effort to enhance road safety this holiday season, the New York State Police will actively participate in the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, focusing on impaired driving enforcement, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and adherence to the “Move Over Law.”
In a concerted effort to enhance road safety during the holiday season, the New York State Police have announced their involvement in the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative. Running from December 13, 2023, to January 1, 2024, the campaign aims to crack down on impaired driving. State Troopers will be conducting DWI checkpoints, patrols, and focusing on various traffic violations, including distracted driving, improper seatbelt use, and violations of the “Move Over Law.”
In addition to enforcement efforts, the state encourages the use of the “Have a Plan” app, a free resource from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation. The app facilitates the designation of a driver, access to cab or rideshare services, and provides information on the consequences of impaired driving. Users can also report suspected impaired drivers. The app is available on Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones.
To alleviate travel congestion during the holidays, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from December 22 to December 26 and from December 29 to January 2. Emergency repairs may continue behind permanent concrete barriers.
The New York State Thruway Authority supports anti-distracted driving efforts with text stops and offers free coffee and hot tea from 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 7 a.m. on New Year’s morning to promote alert driving. Twelve service areas are currently closed and under construction as part of a $450 million modernization project, but fuel services remain open.
During the enforcement campaign, Troopers will utilize both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to identify distracted driving violations. These CITE vehicles, blending with regular traffic, become unmistakable as emergency vehicles when their lights are activated.
Last year’s crackdown resulted in 94,372 tickets statewide, including 18,222 for speeding, 3,028 for distracted driving, and 3,139 for impaired driving. Conviction rates for DUI offenses are high, according to data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
To promote safer holidays, the New York State Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer practical tips, including planning a safe way home, designating a sober driver, using taxi services, and reporting impaired drivers promptly.
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