Gov. Cuomo said that the crackdown will last through New Year’s celebrations. Credit: Getty Images
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be on high alert checking for drunk drivers through the rest of the holiday season.
“As New Yorkers and visitors travel all across the state to visit friends and families for the holidays, we are ramping up enforcement efforts to keep our roads safe during this busy time of the year,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement.
State police will set up sobriety checkpoints heading into the New Year and be on the lookout for drivers that are texting while behind the wheel.
The Governor has announced a number of initiatives in the past to keep drivers with repeat alcohol related driving convictions off the road. Leandra’s Law sets some of the toughest DWI provisions in the country. First time offenders driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child less than 16 years old in the vehicle may be charged with a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.
“State Police have sobriety checkpoints throughout the state for everyone’s safety this holiday season,” said State Police Superintendent, Joseph A. D’Amico. “We are joining more than 20 thousand police agencies in sending a message that holiday revelers should plan ahead and designate a driver or arrange safe transportation in advance to make sure everyone arrives home safely for the holidays.”
According to DMV statistics, there were 8,633 alcohol-related crashes in New York State reported by police, resulting in 358 people killed and 6,303 injured.
