Crime & Safety
New York Sets Holiday Driving Crackdown
State police are on high alert to stop distracted, drunk drivers.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week that New York State Police will place a focus on enforcing distracted driving laws, and will also add patrols to deter drunk driving throughout the holiday season.
In a release, the governor also said the state will set up sobriety checkpoints as part of the crackdown.
"During this crack down, the state police and local law enforcement will be on high alert, watching our roads and highways to combat distracted and drunk driving to prevent unnecessary tragedy," Cuomo said in a release. "I urge travelers to drive responsibly so that we can all celebrate this holiday season safely."
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In 2012, according to DMV statistics, there were 8,633 alcohol-related crashes in New York reported by police, resulting in 358 deaths and 6,303 injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities increased nationwide by 4.6 percent in 2012, accounting for 31 percent of overall fatalities.
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