Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced increased patrols by State Police and local law enforcement to combat alcohol and drug impaired and reckless driving as celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day get underway statewide. The traffic enforcement detail will run Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, according to a media release from Hochul’s office.
“As an Irish New Yorker, I want to make sure we can all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely and responsibly,” Hochul said. “There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and if you are celebrating, plan ahead to get home safely.”
Along with increased DWI patrols and sobriety check points, drivers can expect to see police ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices during the enforcement period, the release said. State Police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign.
Acting State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police urges everyone to have a plan this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Make safety your number one priority, arrange for a sober ride home, and don’t be a risk to yourself or others out on the roads. The State Police and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in keeping our roadways safe and will have zero tolerance for impaired and reckless drivers.”
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement detail, police statewide arrested 959 people for DWI, issued 188 tickets for distracted driving and 21,282 tickets in total, according to the release.
Officials urged those celebrating to take the following precautions:
• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave car keys at home.
• If impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.
• If available, use a sober ride program.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local police.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee 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, according to the release.