Memorial Day Weekend: ​NY Police Crack Down On Drunk Driving

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Law enforcement is working to crack down on drunk driving this Memorial Day Weekend, New York State Police said in a release Wednesday. The STOP-DWI period ends Tuesday, May 26.

Starting Friday, state police will add extra marked and concealed police cars to the roads to keep an eye out for drunk drivers. Police said troopers will also be watching for underage drinkers.

Sobriety checkpoints will also be set up on some roadways to monitor drivers.

Last year, New York State Police said troopers arrested 225 people for drinking and driving during Memorial Day weekend. A total of 13,693 tickets were issued during the weekend, and police investigated 134 crashes with injuries. Further, police said, four people died in the crashes.

State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said troopers will show zero tolerance for drunk driving this weekend.

“As we take time this Memorial Day to honor those who died in service to our county, we remind motorists to make safety the top priority. If your holiday plans include alcohol, please arrange for a safe ride home," Corlett said. "Driving impaired is a choice that often has serious and even deadly consequences. State Troopers will be highly visible this weekend, and will have zero tolerance for impaired, reckless and distracted drivers.”

Police remind drivers to use the “Have a Plan” mobile app, which lets New Yorkers call a taxi service or create a designated driver list. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and ways to report suspected drunk drivers.