NYSP boosts impaired driving patrols for St. Patrick's Day
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office announced earlier this week that state law enforcement agencies will be ramping up impaired driving enforcement in the wake of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.
In announcement made on Monday, the increased New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be present through St. Patrick's Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period — funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee — will operate through Monday, March 17.
Here's a closer look at the legend of Saint Patrick
Through education and enforcement, the New York State Police continuously work to keep drunk and impaired drivers off the road and remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving. I thank our partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their shared mission in keeping New York's roads safe. This St. Patrick's Day, don't make a fatal decision that costs your life or someone else's.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven James
In addition to DWI checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase road patrols during the traffic enforcement period to surveil for drivers who are speeding or distracted, or those violating the 'Move Over Law.' New York State Police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign.
During last year's St. Patrick's Day campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI, issued 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations. Choosing to drive impaired can ruin a driver's life or someone else's. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that each day, approximately 37 people in the United States are victims of drunk driving crashes — about one person every 39 minutes.
Drivers that break the rules could face jail time, the loss of license, a higher insurance rate and dozens of unexpected expenses. Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000.
The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) asks drivers to commit to following these easy steps, so people can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road.
Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation's 'Have a Plan' mobile app, is available for Apple and Android smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
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).
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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