New York State Police report that 47,711 tickets were issued statewide during the recent Christmas and New Year’s holiday enforcement campaign, part of the national “Drive High Get a DUI” initiative targeting impaired and reckless driving. The campaign ran from December 10 through January 1.
During the initiative, 767 people were arrested for DWI, and troopers investigated 6,244 traffic accidents, including 13 fatal crashes.
State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, extra DWI patrols, and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles—unmarked cars that blend into traffic but are recognizable as emergency vehicles when lights are activated—to identify violators. Troopers also targeted speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and drivers who fail to move over for emergency vehicles.
As part of the enforcement, troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a sampling of the total tickets that were issued.
Speeding: 14,460
Distracted Driving: 1,810
Seatbelt violations: 1,600
Move Over Law: 828
During last year’s National DWI Crackdown, the State Police issued 45,770 total tickets and arrested 755 people for DWI.
State Police remind motorists that holiday enforcement campaigns are conducted to save lives and prevent tragedies on New York’s roadways. Increased traffic, celebrations, and winter driving conditions during the holiday season significantly raise the risk of serious crashes. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, use seat belts and child restraints, obey speed limits, move over for emergency and roadside vehicles, and avoid distractions. A safe decision behind the wheel can prevent a life-altering crash and ensure everyone makes it home safely.
The results of the campaign broken down by Troop:
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