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

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." 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.  

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.