SENATOR LANZA ANNOUNCES CRACKDOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVERS THIS HALLOWEEN WEEKEND

Senator Andrew Lanza today announced the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and impaired driving this Halloween weekend. The special traffic enforcement detail will begin Friday, October 28 and continue through Tuesday, November 1, 2016.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, 52 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. During the Halloween initiative in 2015, New York State Police arrested 167 people for DWI and issued more than 7,600 tickets for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations. Troopers also responded to more than 737 crashes, which killed two people and injured 85 others. In addition, 26 counties participated in last year’s Halloween crackdown resulting in 77 DWI/DWAI arrests, 11 DWAI-Drugs only arrests, 85 other arrests and 904 Vehicle and Traffic summonses.

State and local law enforcement will be extra vigilant in their efforts to protect families and their loved ones on New York’s roadways, as Halloween falls on a Monday this year. Motorists can expect to see a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional patrols over the weekend. Troopers will also conduct a special enforcement detail to crack down on the sale of alcohol to minors.

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee has also issued a new video to deter underage drinking and encourage responsible decision making. The video urges New York parents, pedestrians, and holiday partygoers to take extra precautions this Halloween Weekend.

Troopers will use marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the crackdown. CITE vehicles allow Troopers to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as law enforcement vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

The New York State Police and Senator Lanza ask that everyone follow these easy steps to enjoy a safe Halloween without jeopardizing the lives of others on and off the road.

This Halloween weekend:
 

• · Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
  
  · Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
  
  · If you’re impaired, use a taxi, 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.
  
  · Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
  
  · If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.