CHENANGO COUNTY — The New York State Police will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions over the Fourth of July holiday.

This special enforcement period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, and run through 3 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should remember fun can turn fatal if you don’t make the right decision. Troopers will be out in force and highly visible this holiday weekend, on the lookout for impaired, drugged, and reckless drivers who put others’ lives in danger. Remember, put down the phone, drive sober, follow the rules of the road, and responsibly enjoy your time with family and friends.”

Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said, “One of the great ways to celebrate your independence is never to get into a vehicle with an impaired driver or let a friend drive who is impaired. Let’s all honor our nation’s birthdate with common-sense steps to get to our destinations safely: make sure all passengers are properly secured, keep to the speed limit, avoid distractions like cell phone usage, and make a plan to stay, get a ride, or have a designated driver if you will be drinking alcoholic beverages.”

During this enforcement period, drivers can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles when they travel New York roadways.

Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement period, Troopers issued 11,873 total tickets, arrested 187 people for DWI and investigated 775 crashes, including two fatalities.

If you drive drunk or drugged, you not only put your life and the lives of others at risk, you could face arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000.

Arrested drunk and drugged drivers face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines, and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

The New York State Police, and GTSC recommend these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:

Plan a safe way home before the fun begins. Before drinking, designate a sober driver. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation. Use your community’s sober ride program.

If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

-Information provided by the NYSP