New York State Police Increase Patrols for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend to Curb Impaired Driving
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement led to 132 DWI arrests, 124 distracted driving citations, and a total of 5,576 traffic tickets issued.
As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin across New York State, law enforcement officials are ramping up efforts to prevent impaired and reckless driving. The New York State Police announced an increase in patrols and sobriety checkpoints from Friday, March 14, through Tuesday, March 18, as part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents.
The enforcement campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), will focus on identifying and removing intoxicated drivers from the roads. In addition to targeting driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses, state troopers will also monitor for distracted driving, particularly the use of handheld electronic devices, and conduct checks on underage drinking and illegal alcohol sales.
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement led to 132 DWI arrests, 124 distracted driving citations, and a total of 5,576 traffic tickets issued.
According to national statistics, drunk driving remains a significant concern, with more than 10,000 fatalities annually in the U.S. due to alcohol-related crashes. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that one person dies every 39 minutes from such incidents.
Authorities are urging the public to plan ahead and make safe choices. The New York State Police and GTSC recommend designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or taking public transportation when celebrating. Officials also advise against walking while impaired, emphasizing the importance of having a sober companion when traveling on foot.
New Yorkers are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement. Additionally, the GTSC and New York State STOP-DWI Foundation offer a “Have a Plan” mobile app, available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices, which helps users find taxi services, designate sober drivers, and learn more about DWI laws and penalties.
With increased patrols in place, law enforcement officials hope to prevent tragedies and ensure that holiday festivities remain safe for all road users.