New York cracks down on dangerous driving during St. Patrick’s Day with 1,224 impaired driving arrests and thousands of tickets for speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations in just one week

New York – In a major statewide effort to enhance road safety, Governor Kathy Hochul has reported the issuance of over 55,000 tickets during a targeted enforcement mobilization aimed at curbing impaired driving around St. Patrick’s Day. The initiative, which spanned from March 10 to 17, resulted in 1,224 tickets specifically for impaired driving offenses among the various vehicle and traffic law violations recorded.

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of public safety as her top priority, underlining the concerted effort by law enforcement to tackle dangerous and illegal driving behaviors.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and alongside our partners in law enforcement, we’re cracking down on dangerous and illegal driving that puts our communities at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll always stand up to protect the people of New York, and I encourage everyone to drive responsibly over holidays, celebrations and beyond.”

The enforcement campaign involved heightened patrols and sobriety checkpoints, a strategy designed to deter and apprehend impaired drivers. This initiative received backing from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), which funds several such safety mobilizations throughout the year.

Mark J.F. Schroeder, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, pointed out the heightened risk associated with holiday celebrations.

“This is one of several holidays where we know there is a higher likelihood of individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” he said.

The annual mobilization, according to Schroeder, bolsters the capacity of law enforcement agencies to safeguard all road users during these critical periods.

The breakdown of the issued tickets included not only impaired driving but also other traffic violations such as distracted driving, speeding, and failure to obey ‘Move Over’ laws. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

• Distracted Driving: 2,351 tickets
• Move Over: 364 tickets
• Speeding: 10,314 tickets
• Seatbelt violations: 1,428 tickets
• Other Violations: 39,980 tickets

The St. Patrick’s Day campaign is part of a series of focused efforts by the GTSC to diminish alcohol and drug-related traffic incidents. These operations are strategically scheduled during holidays known for increased social gatherings and alcohol consumption, such as Independence Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, as well as during critical periods from August to September and December to January.

The state also offers support for New Yorkers dealing with addiction issues. Assistance is available through the toll-free, 24/7 HOPEline, and various treatment options can be accessed via the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Treatment Availability Dashboard or the NYS OASAS website. This comprehensive approach demonstrates New York’s commitment to not only enforcing the law but also supporting recovery and prevention initiatives.