Drunk, Distracted Driving Crackdown: Thanksgiving Weekend 2017

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies run the annual Thanksgiving holiday traffic enforcement initiative in an effort to deter unsafe driving behaviors. It runs through Sunday.

The campaign targets underage drinking, excessive drinking, distracted driving and motorists who ignore the Move Over laws.

"Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year and our priority is to make sure everyone gets safely to and from their destinations," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in the announcement. "State Troopers and local law enforcement will be out in full force, stepping up their efforts to keep roadways safe for all travelers. I urge motorists to be responsible, obey the rules of the road, and allow plenty of time for travel."

The highest traffic volumes of the year typically occur during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is also a time when alcohol consumption is widespread, state police said.

During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday period, troopers arrested 245 drivers for DWI, issued 5,417 speeding tickets, 673 tickets for distracted driving, and 265 tickets for the move over law.

Planning to enjoy alcoholic beverages over the holiday weekend?

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles urge drivers to use the Have a Plan app to figure out in advance a safe way to get home. You can call a cab or ride share, review the consequences of impaired driving, or even report a drunk or drugged driver. The app from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation is free and available for Apple, Android, and Windows smart phones.

The New York State Police, GTSC and DMV 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;
• 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.

Image via Shutterstock