Tuesday, February 4, 2021
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING DURING SUPERBOWL WEEKEND
Enforcement Campaign to Run February 5 Through February 8
More than 26,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law Violation Tickets Issued During Last Year's
Super Bowl Enforcement Campaign Including 850 Arrests for DWI
"Super Bowl weekend is an exciting time of year, and I urge all New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly," Governor Cuomo said. "New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving, and law enforcement will be on the road all weekend long to help keep New Yorkers safe. If you drink and drive, you will get caught, so avoid costly and potentially deadly consequences by planning for a safe ride home. "During the 2020 Super Bowl campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 26,375 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 850 arrests for DWI. Full breakdown here:
Violation | Number of Tickets |
---|---|
Impaired Driving | 850 |
Distracted Driving | 811 |
Move Over Law | 157 |
Other Violations | 18,661 |
Seatbelt | 569 |
Speeding | 5,327 |
Grand Total | 26,375 |
State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. Troopers will be on patrol this weekend looking for potentially impaired drivers. If you plan on celebrating the big game this weekend, please do it safely, and plan ahead or drive sober."
New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Enjoy the Super Bowl weekend responsibly by making the smart choice to not drive impaired.
We want everyone on the road to be safe and not potentially end up in the hospital where our courageous health professionals are busy battling COVID-19. As you make plans to enjoy the game, have a plan to get home safely."
New York State STOP-DWI Association Chairman and Niagara County Sheriff's Office Captain Robert Richards said, "Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday by Having a Plan. Download STOP-DWI New York's "Have a Plan mobile app. This app enables users to locate and call a car service for a ride home, program a designated driver list, provide information on DWI laws and penalties and even report a suspected impaired driver. The mission of STOP-DWI New York is to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and or other drug-related traffic crashes. Do your part and celebrate responsibly!"
Chief of Ilion PD and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Timothy Parisi said, "Our member agencies support, and will actively participate in this statewide effort. Officers will be vigilant throughout the enforcement initiative and beyond for impaired drivers on our roadways. We encourage you to be responsible, don't place yourself and others at risk."
Washington County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs' Association Jeffrey Murphy said, "One team will win the Super Bowl by making smart plays. You only need to make one smart play- don't drive impaired. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy Super Bowl weekend and do it safely by having a plan to not driving while impaired."
In addition to enforcement campaigns, the GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369 [1]) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov [2] or through the NYS OASAS website [3].