State, Local Police Plan Sobriety Checkpoints over 4th of July Weekend

New York State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols over the 4th of July weekend in an effort to crack down on drunk drivers and other violators of motor vehicle laws, State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico announced.

The added police details will run from today, July 3, until Monday, July 6, on both state and local roadways.

“The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember it can also be fatal if they don’t make the right decision,” said D’Amico in a statement. “Our Troopers will be out to identify and arrest any motorist who is driving drunk or impaired. Be safe this holiday weekend, allow plenty of time to travel, put down your cell phones and don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.”

During the enforcement, drivers can expect an increased number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

Additionally, troopers will also be targeting the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.

Last year, state police issued more than 10,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend, and troopers arrested more than 180 people for DWI. They also responded to more than 650 accidents during the period, and two of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

National data shows that the 4th of July holiday period is especially deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the July 4th period in 2013, there were 512 people killed in crashes, of those 199 (39 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

New York law enforcement also will look for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.

Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.

During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

This campaign serves as a reminder to New Yorkers that driving drunk not only puts lives at risk, but that those who drive drunk could face arrest, jail time, substantial fines and attorney fees, increased insurance rates and other costs. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000.

The New York State Police and NHTSA 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, 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.

This targeted enforcement effort is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and STOP-DWI, a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining highway safety program that allows participating counties to qualify for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses.