GTSC Announces Statewide Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention and Enforcement Campaign Before and During 4/20

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) reminds New Yorkers that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, including cannabis, is not only dangerous, but also illegal in New York. State and local law enforcement are stepping up patrols and targeting drug-impaired driving during a GTSC-funded enforcement and prevention campaign that begins today, Tuesday, April 14, and runs through Monday, April 20.

“Getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs is one of the most preventable bad choices a driver can make,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Driving under the influence puts yourself and everyone else on the road at risk of serious injury or death. Making smarter choices, such as having a designated driver or ride, helps keep everyone safe on our roadways.”

GTSC supports the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) programs. DREs receive extensive training, approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), to observe and document signs and indicators of impairment within each of seven drug categories, including illicit and prescription drugs. ARIDE training provides law enforcement with additional skills to observe, identify and report signs of impairment related to drugs and alcohol.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Increased enforcement, continued education and stricter laws have all played a vital role in keeping impaired drivers off New York's roadways. Driving sober is a simple measure that dramatically reduces the risk of a crash and the devastating effects they can cause. The State Police will remain diligent in working with the Department of Motor Vehicles and our law enforcement partners to curb impaired driving and reduce the senseless tragedies that result from this illegal behavior.”

Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association said, “We often think about alcohol as the cause of impaired driving but there are other things that we must be aware of. Some substances, regardless of whether they are legal, illegal, prescription, recreational, or over the-counter can lead to impairment and affect one’s ability to drive. The Sheriffs of New York State want everyone to be safe on the roads and not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Chief Paul Oliva said, “With increased enforcement efforts on 4/20, we are sending a clear message that driving under the influence of drugs is not only illegal but also endangers lives. The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police (NYSACOP), in partnership with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and other law enforcement agencies, is committed to keeping our roadways safe. We urge all motorists to make responsible choices—plan ahead and never drive impaired.”

A 2024 research paper by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) found the issue of driving under the influence of drugs has become increasingly serious on New York roadways. Looking at data from DMVs Accident Information System, it noted that there were considerably more alcohol-related traffic fatalities than drug-related fatalities a decade ago, but drug-related traffic fatalities exceeded those involving alcohol in 2020 and 2022, accounting for 23 to 25 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state.

NHTSA found in a 2016 Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk Study that marijuana users are more likely to be involved in crashes, while noting that cannabis users tend to be young men, who are generally at a higher risk of crashes. It’s 2020 study (Thomas et al., 2020) of traffic-related serious injuries and deaths found that, in the last quarter of that year, 56 percent of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug.

NHTSA offers drivers these safety tips to avoid driving impaired from alcohol or cannabis use:

• Plan ahead for a sober driver, if you plan to use an impairing drug.
• Don’t let friends get behind the wheel if they’re under the influence of drugs.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be used, it’s your job to make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt; it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

Visit the GTSC website for more on impaired driving, or follow the GTSC conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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