The New York State Police are stepping up efforts to prevent impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. From now through Sunday, troopers will increase patrols and set up sobriety checkpoints across the state as part of the STOP-DWI enforcement campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
The campaign targets impaired drivers, underage drinking, and other risky behaviors on the road. During last year’s Super Bowl enforcement period, State Police arrested 161 people for impaired driving and issued more than 8,600 tickets.
Drivers can expect to see both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles, which allow troopers to monitor distracted driving while blending in with normal traffic. Officials remind motorists to always “move over” for emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
A conviction for impaired driving in New York carries severe penalties, including up to $10,000 in fines, seven years in prison, and license revocation. Authorities are urging party hosts to plan ahead to keep guests safe: designate sober drivers, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, stop serving alcohol by the third quarter, and make sure ridesharing or taxi options are available.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation also offer the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Android, and Windows devices. The app helps users find taxi services, track designated drivers, and report suspected impaired drivers.
Officials caution that hosts could be held legally responsible if a guest who was served alcohol is involved in a crash. Parents or guardians can also be held liable if an underage driver causes damage or injury after drinking.
The message from law enforcement is clear: plan ahead, make responsible choices, and keep New York roads safe this Super Bowl weekend.
