“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Begins; Continues Through Jan 1st

New York’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has begun, Governor Hochul announced in a release earlier this week. The campaign is a crack down on impaired driving during the holiday season through January 1st. Motorists can see an increase in both State Police and local law enforcement agencies while on the road. 

“State Troopers will remain highly visible on our roadways during the holiday season, targeting drivers who needlessly put others in danger. We know all too well the preventable tragedies caused by impaired, reckless, and distracted driving. Make the right choice – if your celebrations include drinking, plan ahead for a safe ride home.”

Said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. 

Police will also be watching for speeders, distracted driving and drivers who violate the state Move-Over Law, which requires all motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle that is stopped in or on the side of the roadway. The law requires you to move-over a lane of travel (if possible and safe to do so).

Governor Hochul also announced that construction road closures have been temporarily suspended to help ease the impending holiday traffic. Roadwork is still expected to continue behind barriers and road work speed zones are still in place where posted. 

“Traveling during the holiday season can be stressful even without the prospect of construction-related traffic jams. That’s why the New York State Department of Transportation fully supports Governor Hochul’s decision to suspend construction activities and temporary lane closures during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. We want everyone to get where they need to go safely and with a minimum of delays.”

Said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. 

Last year’s campaign had law enforcement agencies issue over 106,000 tickets throughout the state with over 20,000 for speeding, 1027 for distracted driving, 2,537 for seatbelt violations, 597 Move-Over law violations, and over 3,000 were arrested for impaired driving.