Troopers issued nearly 14K tickets during Thanksgiving crackdown campaign

ALBANY, N.Y. » Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York State Police issued 13,887 tickets during this year’s Thanksgiving traffic enforcement initiative, which targeted unsafe driving behaviors during the holiday weekend.

The special traffic enforcement period, which ran from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov.

29. State Troopers also arrested 155 people for DWI and investigated 757 crashes, including three fatalities, during the holiday period.

“Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs endangers every single traveler on the road, and it simply will not be tolerated,” Cuomo stated.

“Not only during the holidays, but at all times, the message is clear - be responsible and drive sober or make plans for finding a safe ride home. It’s literally that simple and by following those rules, our roads will be safer and lives will be saved,” Cuomo added

The State Police supplemented regular patrols statewide during this crackdown with fixed sobriety checkpoints, an underage drinker initiative and the “Operation Hang Up” initiative.

“I commend our Troopers and our local law enforcement partners for the work they do each day to keep our roads safe. State Police will continue to be highly visible throughout the holiday season, looking out for reckless and aggressive drivers. We urge drivers to do their part by making the right choices when they get behind the wheel - drive sober, follow posted speed limits and put away your smartphones,” Acting State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen commented.

“I applaud all law enforcement who took part in this mobilization to keep our roads as safe as possible. We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. No one’s holiday memories should be marred by a needless tragedy. If you plan to drink as part of your celebration, please do not drive. Having a plan to designate a sober driver or arrange a ride home could save a life,” GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder added.

As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a sampling of the total tickets that were issued:

• Speeding 4,871

• Distracted Driving 228

• Seatbelt violations 1,825

• Move Over Law 188

In the Capital Region, troopers issued 294 speeding tickets, made 15 driving while intoxicated arrests, doled out 49 distracted driving tickets, 107 tickets for child restraint/seat belt violations, eight “move over” tickets, and 1,086 tickets issued in total for other violations.