NEW YORK — New York State Police will increase patrols over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to target impaired driving and other traffic violations, officials said.
The special enforcement period will begin July 3, and run through July 5, police said.
During the holiday enforcement campaign, drivers can expect sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be watching for drivers using phones and other electronic devices behind the wheel, as well as motorists who fail to move over for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles, police said.
State Police will use both marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles, known as CITE vehicles, during the operation.
Police said the CITE vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, making it easier for troopers to spot drivers using handheld devices. Once emergency lights are activated, the vehicles are identifiable as police vehicles.
During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement period, troopers issued 10,497 total tickets, arrested 210 people on DWI charges, issued 258 tickets for distracted driving and issued 301 tickets for Move Over law violations, police said.
The Fourth of July enforcement initiative is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation are also reminding drivers about the “Have a Plan” mobile app, which allows New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service, program a designated driver list, review DWI laws and penalties, and report a suspected impaired driver.
State Police said impaired driving can lead to arrest, jail time, substantial fines, attorney fees, higher insurance rates and the loss of a driver’s license. Police said the average drinking and driving arrest can cost up to $10,000.
State Police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee offered the following tips for holiday travelers:
Plan a safe way home before drinking; designate a sober driver; use a taxi, rideshare, public transportation or sober ride program if impaired; contact law enforcement if you suspect a driver is impaired; and take the keys from someone about to drive while impaired and help them find a safe way home.
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