Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide effort across government to improve travel on state roadways through the Independence Day holiday weekend. State and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. This campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), begins on Monday, June 29, and will run through Sunday, July 5. In addition, to relieve congestion and speed up travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures will be suspended starting on Thursday.
“Have fun celebrating this historic holiday and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, but do it responsibly,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is doing everything we can to make travel this weekend as smooth and safe as possible, but safety on the roads is a team effort. We have zero tolerance for reckless drivers who endanger others, so please have a plan if you will be drinking and do not drive impaired.”
Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer.
To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. Thursday, July 2, through 6 a.m. Monday, July 6. Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
During the same campaign last year, law enforcement issued 49,843 tickets. A total of 1,563 people were charged with driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, 612 tickets were issued for Move Over Law violations and 1,926 tickets were issued for distracted driving.
New York’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway to protect the lives of other drivers, passengers, roadway workers and emergency personnel. Motorists are urged to stay alert while driving, slow down and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road.
To reduce distracted driving, New York provides text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas, along state highways. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving can be deadly, as it takes the motorist’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.
All 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.
Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi or rideshare, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
- Use your community’s sober ride program
- If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
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