BUFFALO, N.Y. — The New York State Police are adding extra patrols this Independence Day weekend in an effort to stop drunk and drugged driving.
Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints, as well as target reckless and aggressive driving.
The added patrols will begin Friday, July 2 and run through Monday, July 5.
Last year, troopers issued more than 9,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the Fourth of July weekend and arrested 180 people for DWI.
New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said in a release, “Troopers will be out in force and highly visible this weekend, on the lookout for impaired, drugged, and reckless drivers. Our message is simple: If you drink and drive, you will be arrested. Stay safe and don’t make a bad decision that costs your life or the life of someone else.”
Troopers warn that if you are caught driving drunk or on drugs, you could face arrest, jail time and substantial fines and attorney fees. They say the average DWI arrest could cost up to $10,000, and you could also lose your licenses.
The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these tips to prevent impaired driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- Use your community’s sober ride program;
- If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
- 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.