Police Are Cracking Down On This in the Hudson Valley This Week
Police in the Hudson Valley will be on high-alert cracking down on these dangerous driving offenses this week.
New York State Police announced they are increasing patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions over the Fourth of July holiday.
State Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide in an effort to keep New York highways safe during one of the busiest summer holidays for travel, police say.
“State Troopers will be highly visible on the roadways during the holiday, targeting drivers who needlessly put others in danger," New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said in a press release. "We know all too well the preventable tragedies caused by impaired, reckless and distracted driving. Make the right choice – if your celebrations include drinking, plan ahead for a safe ride home.”
Last year, State Police issued nearly 10,500 vehicle and traffic tickets during the Fourth of July holiday. Troopers arrested 240 people for DWI and investigated 152 crashes, which resulted in three fatalities and 248 injuries, police say.
During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
Troopers will be using both marked and unmarked cars.
New York State Police recommends following these tips to prevent drunk driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, 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
- 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 where they are going safely