State Police and local law enforcement agencies will again participate in the national enforcement initiative on impaired driving in the week leading up to this year’s Super Bowl. The campaign which runs through Sunday is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and targets underage drinking enforcement, along with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.
“As football fans gather across our state to watch the game on Sunday, I’m directing State Police and local law enforcement to elevate their enforcement action to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of impaired and reckless driving,” Governor Hochul said. “We have no tolerance for anyone endangering themselves or others on the road, and I encourage everyone to take the responsible steps necessary to keep our communities safe.”
During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.
Whether you are hosting or attending a celebration, the New York State Police, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips to help your guests get home safely:
- Always drive 100 percent sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
- Plan ahead: You have options to get home safely. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Getting home safely is always worth it. Ask all of your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance or help them arrange ridesharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
- If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
- If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.
- The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.
- Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable.
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