NYS DMV, GTSC, Thruway and Regional Transportation Authorities Partner To Remind Soccer Fans To "Use Your Head" As Watch Parties Kick Off This Week

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced a partnership with the Thruway Authority and regional transportation authorities across the state to remind fans to have a safe ride home if they are planning to attend watch parties as the world turns its focus to worldwide soccer fandom over the next few weeks.

“We are happy for this opportunity to join some of our transportation partners and spread the message for soccer fans to have a plan to get home safe after cheering “Ole, Ole, Ole!” for their favorite team in the biggest single-sport event in the world,” said NYS DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “We are also just as excited as the fans to see what these teams from around the world have to offer, but we don’t want to see that excitement diminished by people making poor choices and getting behind the wheel when their ability to handle a vehicle is impaired. Please use your head and protect yourself and others on our roads.”

Regional transportation authorities in Albany (CDTA), Syracuse (Centro), Rochester (RTS) and Buffalo (NFTA) will feature “Safe Rides for Soccer Fans” message on the header signs of their buses and light rail trains, as well as additional messaging to “Use Your Head. Find a Sober Ride” on screens inside buses and trains, at bus stops/shelters and in transit centers statewide. This safety messaging will also appear on screens at the 27 Thruway service areas along the 570-mile highway.

While none of the actual games will be happening across upstate New York, many communities and businesses have been announcing plans for public and private watch parties to give fans what they want – a chance to share in a communal experience of watching some of the world’s top athletes compete for one of the biggest prizes in sport.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “The Thruway Authority is proud to support this statewide effort to keep fans safe as they gather to enjoy the excitement of the World Cup. With thousands of travelers passing through our 27 Service Areas every day, we have a unique opportunity to reinforce a simple but critical message: Use Your Head. Find a Sober Ride. Planning ahead can save lives, and we encourage everyone to make smart choices so they and everyone else on our roadway get home safely.”

Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) CEO Frank Annicaro said, "As residents and visitors gather in the Capital Region for FIFA World Cup watch parties and celebrations, CDTA is proud to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable transportation option. Whether you're heading downtown, meeting friends at a local restaurant, or attending a community watch event, our extensive route network and mobility options make it easy to get where you need to go. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, ride with CDTA, and enjoy the excitement of the World Cup safely. Download the Navigator app to plan your trip."

Centro Chief Executive Officer Christopher Tuff said, “As the World Cup excitement builds, we want to remind our community to celebrate responsibly.  Whether you're watching the games at a local bar or cheering with friends, plan your ride home before the final whistle.  A local bus or a sober friend is always the right call."

RGRTA CEO and NYPTA President Miguel Velázquez said, “The team at RGRTA is happy to partner with New York State and the Department of Motor Vehicles to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to our great state to travel safely as you enjoy the excitement of the World Cup. Whether you plan to go to a game, attend a watch party, or catch up with friends at your favorite local establishment, please take the time to have a plan to get home safely. This is a great opportunity for residents in the Rochester region to explore the public transit system and see how easy it is to get around. We have made it easy for customers to plan their trip, and they can do so by downloading the Transit App or visiting myRTS.com for more information.”

Mike Pal, Director of Transportation, NFTA-Metro said, “Buffalo is the best sports town, and NFTA-Metro is proud to help World Cup Soccer fans get to the many local watch parties safely and conveniently. We encourage sports fans to leave the driving and parking behind, take transit, and focus on cheering for their favorite team.”

If you aren’t able to make use of bus or light rail service to and from watch parties, GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind you about their "Have a Plan" mobile app, which is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. Users can locate and call a taxi service or ride share and program a designated driver list. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and it even allows users to report a suspected impaired driver.

Learn more about watch parties being planned throughout New York State.

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