What you should know
- The initiative and control of the police in traffic will begin the day before the celebration, on Wednesday, November 25, and will run until Sunday, November 29.
- State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be in different parts of the state as part of an effort to stop reckless drivers over Thanksgiving weekend.
- According to data shared by the governor, in 2019, around the same time, nearly 14,000 tickets were issued and 212 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence across the state.
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NEW YORK – Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and other tri-state officials, have urged people not to travel as much as possible during the Thanksgiving holiday following concerns about a further spread of COVID-19.
However, since Thursday of last week, a large number of travelers have been seen at the country’s airports, a figure that had not been seen since the beginning of the pandemic.
But infections are not the only concern of the governor, also drivers who break the law or drive while intoxicated during these holidays.
That’s why on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be in different parts of the state as part of an initiative to stop reckless drivers during the weekend of Thanksgiving.
According to data shared by the governor, in 2019, around the same time, nearly 14,000 tickets were issued and 212 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence across the state.
The initiative and control of the police in traffic will begin the day before the celebration, on Wednesday, November 25, and will run until Sunday, November 29.
“While we expect lower traffic volumes this year as New Yorkers are taking COVID-19 precautions and limiting large gatherings, we still need to ensure that those traveling safely reach their destination,” said Governor Cuomo. on Wednesday. “State police and local law enforcement will be working to prevent unnecessary crashes caused by those who get behind the wheel while drunk. I urge drivers to follow the law and make safety their top priority while on the road. “.
During these days the State Police will put patrols at sobriety checkpoints in different parts of the state. Also, they will be aware of those who drive by sending text messages or talking on a cell phone.
The average arrest for driving and drinking costs up to $ 10,000. Additionally, drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unforeseen expenses for attorneys’ fees, fines and court costs, towing and auto repairs, and time lost at work.
To prevent problems on the roads they advise:
• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you are not fit to drive, use a taxi or rideshare service, call a sober friend or relative, or use public transportation.
• Use your community’s sober travel program.
• If you suspect a driver is drunk or drunk on the road, do not hesitate to contact the local police.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride a bike while drunk, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
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