Suffolk Sheriff's Office On 'High Alert' For DWI Drivers This Thanksgiving

YAPHANK, NY — Driving While Intoxicated patrols will be increased for the Thanksgiving holiday — one of the highest-risk holidays of the year for alcohol related accidents — with deputy sheriffs on "high alert," Sheriff Errol Toulon said.

In 2025, the office’s DWI team has already issued over 2,300 summonses and made 275 arrests, including nearly 40 aggravated DWIs, according to Toulon.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the biggest drinking periods of the year, at it starts with the night before, which is often called “Thanksgiving Eve” or “Black Out Wednesday."

More than one-third of all traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“I want to remind residents that while deputy sheriffs are always on the lookout for people driving under the influence, it will be especially true this weekend," he said. "This is a holiday to spend with family and focus on what we are grateful for, not to put others at risk with impaired driving. We have zero tolerance for drunk and drugged drivers."

Stay sober, have a designated driver, call an Uber, or stay off the roads altogether," he added.

Suffolk police are also expected to increase patrols this holiday season.

There will also be more police at malls and shopping centers.

Officials are expected to make an announcement with the details at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove on Wednesday morning.