Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - An increase in patrols by New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff's deputies, Buffalo Police and other local law enforcement entities will take place this St. Patrick's Day weekend in an attempt to combat alcohol and drug impaired and reckless driving.
This traffic enforcement detail will run Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, and is one of several funded annually by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).
"As an Irish New Yorker, I want to make sure we can all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely and responsibly," said Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement on Thursday. "There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and if you are celebrating, plan ahead to get home safely."
Along with increased DWI patrols and sobriety check points, drivers can expect to see law enforcement ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices during this enforcement period.
New York State Police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign.
"If you’re going to celebrate, celebrate responsibly. Putting safety first can prevent tragedies caused by impaired or distracted driving," said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder on Thursday. "Designate a sober driver to get home safely without putting yourself or others at risk. All it takes are simple steps to help keep our roadways safe and save lives."
During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement, law enforcement statewide arrested 959 people for DWI, issued 188 tickets for distracted driving and 21,282 tickets in total.
Drunk driving kills more than 11,600 people each year nationwide. One person dies every 45 minutes of an alcohol-related crash, an average of 32 people a day, and every one of those deaths is preventable.
Choosing to drive impaired can ruin or end your life or someone else's. This St. Patrick's Day, if you drink and drive, you could face jail time, the loss of your license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses.
The GTSC and New York State Police ask people to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road:
- Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home.
- Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
- If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
- If available, use your community's sober ride program.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.