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State and local law police across New York will step up patrols targeting impaired driving during the holiday travel season. The high visibility engagement campaign runs from today through Saturday, January 1. It’s part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.
Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, along with more troopers on roadways during the campaign.
In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road. State Police will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
During last year’s crackdown, State Police arrested 440 people for DWI and issued 36,142 tickets, including 12,172 tickets for speeding, 966 for distracted driving, and 389 for the “Move Over Law.” State Police also investigated 3 fatal crashes,
This campaigned is sponsored by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The GTSC and the STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
The State Police and our partners urge all motorists to follow these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
