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The crackdown was announced on Friday, Oct. 25 by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said State Police and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols through Thursday, Oct. 31 to target drunk, drug-impaired, and reckless motorists.
During the initiative, sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols will be implemented. Law enforcement will also be on the lookout for distracted and speeding drivers, officials said.
"Responsible choices are key to ensuring that all New Yorkers have a safe and fun Halloween," Hochul said, adding, "If you’re planning to celebrate, plan to have a sober ride home. I thank the New York State Police and our local law enforcement for keeping our children, communities, and celebrations safe and fun."
According to Hochul's office, the effort is certainly not without reason: over 32,000 citations were issued during 2023's Halloween driving crackdown, and 1,182 drivers were arrested for impaired driving. Meanwhile, nearly 6,500 drivers were ticketed for speeding.
The prospect of impaired drivers is especially concerning on Halloween night, when there is a large increase in pedestrians on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2022, 72 people died in Halloween traffic crashes, 46 percent of which were alcohol-related, according to the Administration.
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