New York State Police issued a total of 47,711 tickets over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as part of the “Drive High Get a DUI” national campaign. The initiative, which targeted impaired and reckless drivers, began on Dec. 10 and ended Jan. 1.
State police arrested 767 people for DWI and investigated 6,244 accidents, including 13 fatal accidents.
Throughout the enforcement state police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices.
Troopers also used both marked state police vehicles and concealed identity traffic enforcement vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who were violating the law. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
As part of the enforcement, troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a sampling of the total tickets that were issued:
• Speeding — 14,460
• Distracted driving — 1,810
• Seat belt violations — 1,600
• Move Over Law — 828
In Western New York
• DWI — 42
• Speeding — 1,145
• Distracted driving — 91
• Child restraint and seat belt — 168
• Move Over Law — 13
During the 2024 National DWI Crackdown, the state police issued 45,770 total tickets and arrested 755 people for DWI.
State police remind motorists that holiday enforcement campaigns are conducted to save lives and prevent tragedies on New York’s roadways. Increased traffic, celebrations and winter driving conditions during the holiday season significantly raise the risk of serious crashes.
Authorities urge drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, use seat belts and child restraints, obey speed limits, move over for emergency and roadside vehicles and avoid distractions. A safe decision behind the wheel can prevent a life-altering crash and ensure everyone makes it home safely.