New York Police To Crackdown On This For Rest of the Year

Police across New York will be cracking down on this dangerous driving offense for the rest of the year.

On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York State Police will increase patrols to crack down on impaired driving through the end of 2018.

The enforcement detail is part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," campaign, which runs through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

"As we approach the New Year, State Police will be out in full force to crack down on impaired drivers and keep our roadways safe," Cuomo said. "We urge all drivers to use extreme caution on the roads and make responsible choices to avoid senseless tragedies."

Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, along with more troopers on roadways during this campaign.

"The State Police want to make sure everyone's holiday is a safe one. If you're celebrating this New Year's Eve, do so responsibly and have a plan," State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said. By being or having a designated driver, or a safe ride home, you can help us save lives this holiday season."

In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the "Move Over Law," which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road. State Police will also conduct underage drinking enforcement details statewide.

During last year's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, State Police issued 40,489 tickets. There were also 645 people arrested for DWI and 10 people killed in motor vehicle crashes.

To keep roads safer this holiday season, the New York State Police and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips:

Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins;
Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
Use your community's sober ride program;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact local law enforcement; and
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.