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The effort includes a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols and details dedicated to underage drinking and sales to minors. Drivers using handheld electronic devices will also be ticketed.
“The state police urge everyone to have a plan this St. Patrick’s Day. If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver," said state police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. "A day of celebrating can quickly turn to tragedy because of impaired driving. Help us to keep New York’s roads the safest in the nation by planning ahead to stay safe.”
Drinkers are encouraged to plan a safe way to get home at the end of the night, such as designating a sober driver and leaving their car keys at home.
Impaired drivers should use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
Impaired walkers should also designate a sober friend to walk them home.
State troopers made 264 DWI arrests and issued more than 14,000 tickets during 2015's St. Patrick's Day enforcement effort.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 266 people died from drunk driving accidents from 2010-14.
More than 10,000 people die each year due to drunken driving accidents.
Drunk drivers face the loss of license, a higher insurance rate, a maximum fine of $10,000 or jail time.
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