PRESS RELEASE
The New York State Police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced the start of a statewide crackdown on impaired driving as the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get underway this weekend. This special traffic enforcement detail, which includes State Troopers and members of local law enforcement, begins on Friday, March 13, 2020, and runs through Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
This special enforcement detail is made possible through funding provided by GTSC.
Drivers can expect to encounter additional DWI patrols and a number of sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors details during the campaign.
Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair, said “Nothing will end a celebration faster than tragedy. I urge every driver to use good judgment and not operate a motor vehicle if they have been drinking. One bad decision can lead to lifelong consequences, so if you are drinking, please have a plan to get home safely.”
State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “During my years as a Trooper on patrol, I experienced first-hand the tragedies that result from impaired driving. Be smart – plan ahead for a safe ride home if you will be drinking. Our Troopers and law enforcement partners will be highly visible throughout this special enforcement period, and those who choose to drink and drive will most likely end up in handcuffs.”
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day impaired driving enforcement, Troopers arrested 259 people for DWI, issued 371 tickets for distracted driving and 13,038 in total.
Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country. One person every 53 minutes dies from an alcohol-related crash and every one of those deaths is preventable.
Choosing to drive drunk can ruin or end your life or someone else’s. This St. Patrick’s Day, if you drink and drive, you face jail time, the loss of your license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses. An impaired driving charge carries a maximum fine of $10,000.
The New York State Police and the GTSC ask you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road.
This special enforcement detail is made possible through funding provided by GTSC.
Drivers can expect to encounter additional DWI patrols and a number of sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors details during the campaign.
Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair, said “Nothing will end a celebration faster than tragedy. I urge every driver to use good judgment and not operate a motor vehicle if they have been drinking. One bad decision can lead to lifelong consequences, so if you are drinking, please have a plan to get home safely.”
State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “During my years as a Trooper on patrol, I experienced first-hand the tragedies that result from impaired driving. Be smart – plan ahead for a safe ride home if you will be drinking. Our Troopers and law enforcement partners will be highly visible throughout this special enforcement period, and those who choose to drink and drive will most likely end up in handcuffs.”
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day impaired driving enforcement, Troopers arrested 259 people for DWI, issued 371 tickets for distracted driving and 13,038 in total.
Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country. One person every 53 minutes dies from an alcohol-related crash and every one of those deaths is preventable.
Choosing to drive drunk can ruin or end your life or someone else’s. This St. Patrick’s Day, if you drink and drive, you face jail time, the loss of your license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses. An impaired driving charge carries a maximum fine of $10,000.
The New York State Police and the GTSC ask you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road.
- Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
- Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
- If available, use your community’s sober ride program
- Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
