State Police will increase patrols this weekend to combat drunk, distracted, and reckless driving during Saint Patrick’s Day weekend.
During the enforcement period, troopers will have additional personnel on the streets and set up sobriety checkpoints. They’ll also be on the lookout for drivers on their cell phones, underage drinking, and unlawful sales to minors.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police urges everyone to have a plan this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Make safety your number one priority, arrange for a sober ride home, and don’t be a risk to yourself or others out on the roads. The State Police and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in keeping our roadways safe and will have zero tolerance for impaired and reckless drivers.”
The campaign begins Friday and runs through Sunday.
During last year’s enforcement period, troopers report arresting 220 people for DWI and issuing 11,648 tickets, including 246 for distracted driving.
State Police offer the following tips to have a safe holiday celebration:
- 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.
