Officials announced increased New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be present through St. Patrick’s Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period — funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee — begins today, March 10, and will operate through Monday, March 17.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner
and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said,
"There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. Put your safety and the safety of others first. Designate a sober
driver to get home. The simple steps of having a plan for a safe ride saves
lives.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James
said, “Through education and enforcement, the New York State Police
continuously work to keep drunk and impaired drivers off the road and remind
people of the dangers of drinking and driving. I thank our partners at the
Department of Motor Vehicles for their shared mission in keeping New York’s
roads safe. This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t make a fatal decision that costs your
life or someone else’s.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS
Sheriffs’ Association James Quattrone said, “St. Patrick’s Day is a great
time to wear green and prepare for spring. It is NOT a great time to drive
impaired. If you want the luck of the Irish to be with you, have a plan to not
drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Deputies will be on the lookout for
impaired motorists who are on the road looking for a pot of gold. The Sheriffs
of New York State want you to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and be safe on the
roadways.”
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President
and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “Don't
press your luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Drive sober, slow down and stay safe.
The luck of the Irish won’t protect you from a DWI or a crash.”
In addition to DWI (driving while intoxicated) checkpoints,
law enforcement officers will increase road patrols during the traffic
enforcement period to surveil for drivers who are speeding or distracted, or
those violating the “Move Over Law.” New York State Police will also conduct
checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales
to minors during the campaign.
During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving
enforcement campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI,
issued 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations. Choosing
to drive impaired can ruin your life or someone else’s. Data from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that each day, approximately 37
people in the United States are victims of drunk driving crashes — about one
person every 39 minutes. Every one of those deaths is preventable. This St.
Patrick's Day, if you drink and drive, you will face jail time, the loss of
your license, a higher insurance rate and dozens of unexpected expenses.
Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000.
The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety
Committee (GTSC) asks 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 you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
