NY State Police Launch “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” Crackdown on Reckless, Distracted, and Drunk Driving

By Yehudit Garmaise

New York State Police have launched, on Wednesday, a crackdown on impaired and reckless driving that will run through Jan. 1, 2024, to prevent needless tragedies.

The NY State Police Department’s campaign, called “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” is part of a larger national enforcement initiative that seeks to save lives as holiday season celebrations increase at the end of the year.

In addition to setting up Driving While under the Influence (DWI) checkpoints and patrols, additional NY state troopers will be on the lookout for underage drivers who have been drinking, distracted drivers, and drivers and passengers who are not buckled up.

Police are also ticketing drivers who violate the “Move Over Law,” which requires them to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road. 

"Impaired driving is reckless, dangerous, and illegal, and we have zero tolerance for it on New York's roadways," Gov. Hochul said. “We’re sending a clear message this holiday season that those in violation of our vehicle and traffic laws will be ticketed or face criminal charges.”

“Please think twice before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been drinking,” said New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento. “If you have had a drink, there are numerous options, as listed below, available that will provide safe passages to your destination.” 

To ensure safety for all New Yorkers on the road, the New York State Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips to stay safe on the roads.

1. Before heading to any celebrations, always plan a safe way home.

2. Before drinking, designate a sober driver.

3. Anyone whom is impaired should take a taxi or car service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

4. Use a sober ride program.

5. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.

6. If you know someone whom is about to drive or ride while impaired, take away that person’s keys and help to make other transportation arrangements for that person to get home safely.