NYSP Warn Of Increased Patrols And DWI Checkpoints in CNY

With heavy Thanksgiving traffic and increased alcohol consumption, you can expect lots of drunk driving checkpoints throughout New York State.

NYSP Thanksgiving holiday traffic enforcement is Wednesday, November 21, through Sunday, November 25, 2018, to prevent tragedies caused by impaired, distracted, aggressive or reckless driving. Troopers will be highly visible, and drivers can expect some sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI patrols.

According to the Press Release, NYSP will supplement regular patrols statewide, including fixed sobriety checkpoints, underage drinker enforcement, and the "Operation Hang Up" initiative, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) patrol vehicles to locate drivers talking or texting on handheld devices. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

The New York State Police recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:

Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
Use your community’s sober ride program;
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI
Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile 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 even report a suspected impaired driver.
If you happen to see a drunk driver 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.

During the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday period, troopers arrested 242 drivers for DWI, issued 5,797 speeding tickets, 663 tickets for distracted driving, and 234 tickets for the move over law. A total of 15,360 tickets were issued statewide during the period.