Hochul announces St. Pat's traffic crackdown
The annual traffic safety enforcement period began Monday and will operate through Monday, St, Patrick's Day, according to a news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.
'When I became governor, I promised to make New York safer for everyone,' she said. 'These traffic enforcement periods are critical to holding motorists accountable and preventing tragedies on our roadways.'
State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder added, 'There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Put your safety and the safety of others first. Designate a sober driver to get home. The simple steps of having a plan for a safe ride saves lives.'
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, '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.'
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,' the release stated. 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 impaired driving enforcement campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI, issued 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations, the release stated.
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