Press release:
Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop “A” commander, announces that the New York State Police in Troop “A” are participating in a national impaired-driving enforcement campaign called the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over National Crackdown.”
Beginning Friday, Dec. 14, through New Year's Day, more than 20,000 police agencies nationwide are expected to participate.
Around the state, the New York State Police are planning 30 sobriety checkpoints, 10 saturation details, 18 underage drinking details, and 41 additional dedicated local DWI patrols. Saturation details consist of multiple roving units that target a specific area of focus. It is a massive effort supported largely through grants from the governor's Traffic Safety Committee, aimed at preventing tragedies during the holiday season.
There are a number of these concentrated details planned throughout Western New York and they will be conducted for the remainder of December.
“The holiday season is all about the joy of families and friends, but each year the season turns to sorrows for some as a result of traffic crashes resulting from drinking and driving,” said State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico. “We are starting our enforcement this weekend with full knowledge there will be numerous office parties and other gatherings in the coming weeks where alcohol may be consumed, and we are asking everyone who drinks to designate a driver or arrange safe transportation in advance to secure the happiness of the season for your loved ones.”
Last year during the holiday enforcement effort, troopers made 526 arrests for DWI, and issued a total of 35,496 tickets.