Caution is advised for all New York drivers this 4th of July weekend. As many head out on the road to their holiday destinations, the state police and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols and cracking down on traffic violations. According to the state police announcement, the increased patrols will be in effect for the full weekend, from Friday, July 3rd to Monday, July 6th.
Troopers will be setting up sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols to target the illegal sale of alcohol to minors. In addition, law enforcement will be on the lookout for drivers speeding, using their cell phones behind the wheel, and violating the Move Over Law.
The New York State Police will also be partnering in this effort with the Ontario Provincial Police and the Niagara Regional Police in the Safety Without Borders Initiative, to promote safety in vacation areas on both sides of the border with high volumes of traffic. Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and STOP-DWI, the enforcement effort allows participating counties to qualify for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses.
Last 4th of July weekend, the New York State Police instituted a similar traffic crackdown, issuing more than 10,000 tickets and arresting over 180 people for DWIs. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), police responded to over 650 driving related accidents, resulting in 512 fatalities. Of those, 39 percent of those killed had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
In addition to the safety risks, those charged with a DWI or other drug-related offenses could face higher insurance rates, loss of driver’s license, arrest, and even jail time. In total, the average drunk driving arrest can cost as much as $10,000.
“Our Troopers will be out to identify and arrest any motorist who is driving drunk or impaired. Be safe this holiday weekend, allow plenty of time to travel, put down your cell phones, and don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.
We urge you to drive safely this 4th of July weekend.. If you or a loved one receives a traffic ticket, The Rosenblum Law Firm can help. Call us at 888-203-2619 for a free consultation.