State Police Start St. Patrick's Day Weekend DWI Crackdown

New York State Police will initiate special law enforcement efforts during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend to keep drunk drivers off the roadways and alcohol out of the hands of minors.

They did the same thing in 2014, and last year’s effort resulted in 184 arrests for DWI and more than 11,000 tickets issued for traffic and other violations, state officials said.

The effort will begin today Friday, March 13, and run through Tuesday, March 17, state police said.

“State Police will be out in force to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for all New Yorkers,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “Our message is clear: Be safe, act responsibly and there will zero tolerance for behavior that puts public safety at risk.”

The governor’s office offered alarming statistics:

For too many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has ended in tragedy as a result of drunk drivers getting behind the wheel. Over St. Patrick’s Day weekend from 2009 to 2013, there were a total of 276 lives lost in drunk driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Every 45 minutes, a person was killed in a drunk-driving crash in the United States in 2012, and most of the drunk drivers involved had blood alcohol concentrations nearly double the legal limit of .08 percent.

Those who choose to drink and drive can face jail time, the loss of license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses. An impaired driving charge carries a maximum fine of $10,000.

Over the weekend, state police will also run operations to identify underage drinking and sales to minors.

The New York State Police and NHTSA asks you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road.

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
• Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program
• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.

“The New York State Police would like everyone to have fun this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, but urge people to do it safely,” New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said. “If you plan on drinking please designate a sober driver. Impaired drivers can cause needless deaths and injuries. Together, we can keep New York State’s roads among the safest in the nation.”

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