Police cracking down on DWI during holidays

If you're planning on driving during the holidays, doing so after having a few drinks is even less advisable than ever.

An announcement from the New York State Police said the force is participating in the national campaign called “Drive High Get a DUI” as well as the state's annual crackdown on impaired driving during the holidays.

Emphasis on the enforcement campaign will run through New Year's Day. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, along with more troopers on roadways during the campaign. 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” that requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles stopped in or on the side of the road. State Police also will conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide. 

During the campaign, troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices -- cellphones, etc. -- while driving. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

During last year’s crackdown, State Police arrested 522 people for DWI and issued 35,016 tickets, including 12,285 for speeding, 840 for distracted driving, and 289 for the “Move Over Law.” They also investigated 14 fatal crashes.

 This campaigned is sponsored by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The GTSC and the STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or ride-share service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.

The State Police and its partners urge all motorists to follow these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:

• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ride-sharing 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.
• 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.

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