New York Police To Step Up DWI Enforcement Over July Fourth Weekend

NEW YORK STATE — Police across New York will be increasing enforcement and patrols for drunken drivers over the July 4 weekend. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a period of stepped-up enforcement for the long weekend.

State police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints across the state, and will be targeting reckless and aggressive drivers. Local police departments will also be increasing DWI patrols. The enforcement campaign will begin at 6 p.m. on July 1 and run through 3 a.m. on July 5.

"The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember that making the wrong decision to drive while impaired can result in tragedy," New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said. "If your celebrations include alcohol, plan for a safe ride home, and if you're travelling this weekend, remember to put down the phone, follow posted speed limits, and always put safety first."

The July Fourth holiday weekend is the biggest travel weekend of the summer. Last year, the state police issued 10,238 traffic tickets during the Fourth of July weekend. Troopers arrested 195 people for DWI and investigated 648 crashes, including two fatalities.

The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000, state police said. Arrested drunk and drugged drivers face the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

Police offered these simple tips to help 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 rideshare, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Use your community's sober ride program.
• If you suspect a driver on the road is drunk or impaired, don't hesitate to call 911.
• 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.