For this July 4 holiday weekend, New York State began implementing more patrol measures for drivers who hit the roads under the influence of alcohol or drugs, said Governor Kathy Hochul.
Authorities will crack down on these drivers, conduct sobriety checks, and target reckless and aggressive driving across the state. This in order to keep the roads safe.
The measure, which is funded by the governor’s Highway Safety Committee, began on Friday, July 1, and will run until 3:00 am on Tuesday, July 5.
“State police and local law enforcement agencies will once again be on New York’s roads this holiday weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “We want New Yorkers to have fun celebrating the 4th of July, but we also want them to do so responsibly. We have zero tolerance for drivers whose reckless actions endanger the lives of others and we will hold those who do so accountable.”
Last year, the State Police issued 10,238 traffic tickets during the July 4 weekend. Troopers arrested 195 people for DWI and investigated 648 accidents, including two fatalities.
During this enforcement period, drivers can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and more DWI patrols. Police will also search for motorists who use their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “hold over” for emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when traveling on New York roadways.
Patrolmen will use both State Police marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. CITE vehicles allow patrol officers to more easily identify motorists using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their mobile app “Have a Plan” is available for Apple, Droid and Windows smartphones. The app allows New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and schedule a list of designated drivers. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected drunk driver.
The average arrest for drinking and driving costs up to $10,000. Arrested drunk and drugged drivers face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unexpected expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, towing and car repairs, and time lost from work.
The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
- Before you drink, designate a sober driver.
- If you are disabled, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- Use your community’s sober travel program.
- If you suspect a driver is intoxicated or intoxicated on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local police.
- If you know someone who is about to drive or bike while disabled, grab their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they’re going safely.
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