Cuomo announces State Police to crack down on impaired driving through new year

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced New York State Police will increase patrols to crack down on impaired driving through the end of the year. The enforcement detail is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, along with more State Troopers, on roadways during this campaign.

“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.”

In addition to driving while intoxicated 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.

State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “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. By being or having a designated driver, or a safe ride home, you can help us save lives this holiday season.”

Terri Egan, Department of Motor Vehicles executive deputy commissioner and acting chair of the governor’s traffic safety committee, said, “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday and we urge you to celebrate responsibly. Don’t end the year with a tragedy or an arrest. Have a plan for getting home safe. Choose a designated driver or download our free ‘Have a Plan’ mobile app that will connect you to your area’s ride share or taxi services.”

During the campaign, troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and concealed identity traffic enforcement vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving and better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

During last year’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, State Police issued 40,489 tickets. Of those tickets more than 13,394 were for speeding, 1,268 were for distracted driving and 571 for violations of the “Move Over Law.” There were also 645 people arrested for DWI and 10 people killed in motor vehicle crashes.

This traffic enforcement campaign is funded by the governor’s traffic safety committee.