Friday, February 5, 2021

Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide Crackdown on Impaired Driving During Super Bowl Weekend


Enforcement Campaign to Run February 5 Through February 8

More than 26,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law Violation Tickets Issued During Last Year's

Super Bowl Enforcement Campaign Including 850 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 during the Super Bowl weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 5through Monday, February 8. This safety initiative 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.

"Super Bowl weekend is an exciting time of year, and I urge all New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly," Governor Cuomo said. "New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving, and law enforcement will be on the road all weekend long to help keep New Yorkers safe. If you drink and drive, you will get caught, so avoid costly and potentially deadly consequences by planning for a safe ride home."

During the 2020 Super Bowl campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 26,375 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 850 arrests for DWI. Full breakdown here: 

Violation                          Number of Tickets

Impaired Driving                     850

Distracted Driving                   811

Move Over Law                      157

Other Violations                    18,661

Seatbelt                                   569

Speeding                                5,327

Grand Total                           26,375

State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. Troopers will be on patrol this weekend looking for potentially impaired drivers. If you plan on celebrating the big game this weekend, please do it safely, and plan ahead or drive sober."These STOP-DWI enforcement campaigns occur throughout the year. During the recent "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which was held during the busy holiday season from December 16 through January 1, law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued more than 70,000 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations and made 2,067 arrests for DWI.

New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Enjoy the Super Bowl weekend responsibly by making the smart choice to not drive impaired.

We want everyone on the road to be safe and not potentially end up in the hospital where our courageous health professionals are busy battling COVID-19. As you make plans to enjoy the game, have a plan to get home safely."

New York State STOP-DWI Association Chairman and Niagara County Sheriff's Office Captain Robert Richards said, "Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday by Having a Plan. 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!"

In addition to enforcement campaigns, the 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). 

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