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State Police Out With Extra Patrols, Looking For Impaired Drivers

March 16, 2021

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN ON IMPAIRED
DRIVING THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Enforcement Campaign to Run Through March 21

More than 77,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law Violation Tickets Issued During Last Year’s
Enforcement Campaign Including 1,944 Arrests for DWI

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that state and local law enforcement agencies across New York will be stepping up patrols to crack down on impaired driving for St. Patrick’s Day. The enforcement campaign will run through Sunday, March 21. This special traffic enforcement detail is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

“As New Yorkers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I urge them to do so safely and responsibly,” Governor Cuomo said. “There is zero tolerance for impaired driving in New York. It is grossly reckless on the part of the driver, and it puts all those on the road in danger. Impaired drivers will be caught and held accountable, so plan for a safe ride home.”

During the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day campaign, which occurred March 13 through March 18, law enforcement throughout the state issued 77,444 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,944 arrests for DWI. Full breakdown here:

Violation

Number of Tickets

Impaired Driving

1,944

Distracted Driving

2,913

Move Over Law

584

Other Violations

51,993

Seatbelt

2,090

Speeding

17,920

Grand Total

77,444

These STOP-DWI enforcement campaigns occur throughout the year. During the recent Super Bowl campaign, which was held from February 5 through February 8, 2021, law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 26,127 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations and made 846 arrests for DWI.

New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “As you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, don’t count on the luck of the Irish to get you home safely. The consequences of impaired driving can be both costly and deadly, so have a plan in place beforehand. I also thank all of New York’s law enforcement for their participation in this important crackdown to keep our roads safe.”

State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “Through education and enforcement, the New York State Police work to keep impaired drivers off the road and prevent tragedies. During this campaign, we remind people of the dangers of driving impaired. Impaired drivers cause needless deaths and injuries. This weekend, if you choose to celebrate, have a plan. Together, we can keep New York State’s roads among the safest in the nation.”

Chief of Ilion PD and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Timothy Parisi said, “Chiefs of Police across the state are reminding motorists to plan ahead to use alternate means of transportation if consuming alcohol will be part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Bad decisions can cause tragic consequences! Help us keep our roadways safe, please drive sober.”

Washington County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association Jeffrey Murphy said, “St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may be a little different this year but one thing has not changeddriving drunk or drugged can be deadly. Deputies will be on patrol trying to keep all travelers safe by removing impaired drivers from the road. The Sheriffs of New York State want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and the start of Spring but do so with a plan to not drive impaired.”

New York State STOP-DWI Foundation Chairman and Niagara County STOP-DWI Coordinator Reginald Crowley said, “We hope everyone enjoys the holiday, but please make sure you have a plan to get home safely. Download STOP-DWI New York’s Have a Plan mobile app. This app enables users to locate and call a car service for a ride home, program a designated driver list, provide information on DWI laws and penalties and even report a suspected impaired driver. The mission of STOP-DWI New York is to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and or other drug-related traffic crashes. Do your part and celebrate responsibly!”

Combined with enforcement campaigns, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, or GTSC, coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety.

The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

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