The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
State Police issue more than 32,900 tickets during national DWI crackdown
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday the New York State Police issued 32,934 tickets and arrested 453 people for impaired driving during the National DWI Crackdown.
The crackdown started on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, and continued through New Year’s Day on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Troopers arrested 453 people for DWI and investigated 4,417 accidents. Those accidents resulted in 528 people being injured and eight fatalities.
“I thank the State Police and local law enforcement for their continued efforts to get dangerous drivers off the roads and protect all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “We will not stand for the preventable tragedies that are caused by impaired and reckless drivers, and we will continue our aggressive enforcement measures to make the roads safe for all who use them.”
During the campaign, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices.
Troopers also used both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles during the crackdown to more easily identify motorists who were violating the law. CITE vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once emergency lighting is activated.
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.
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 11,305
• Distracted Driving 912
• Seatbelt violations 916
• Move Over Law 316 “One of the mission priorities of the New York State Police is to improve highway safety by focusing on reducing drunk and impaired driving crashes. Through our recent enforcement efforts, as well the work troopers do on a daily basis, we have made our roadways safer for the public,” New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said.
“The New York State Police urges motorists to make safety their top priority as well to help reduce these crashes,” Nigrelli continued. “Our message is simple: Don’t drink and drive. By being proactive, we can reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk and impaired driving.”
“Our message is simple: Don't drink and drive. By being proactive, we can reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk and impaired driving.”
— Steven A. Nigrelli, New York State Police Acting Superintendent