NEW YORK STATE - Stay alert while shopping, and in parking lots- celebrate safely and plan for a ride home, are among the top tips from state officials to stay safe.

The New York State  Department of Motor Vehicles and New York State Police are offering seasonal guidance to help people get safely through the holiday season.

With more people out shopping or traveling, the holidays require people to take extra care to make sure they and others arrive safely at their destinations. Shoppers also can take steps to ensure their vehicles and gifts are secure.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of year that we enjoy with the people we love, and the best way to do that is to follow these practical tips,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Be mindful that more people will be on the roads, so take your time and stay within the speed limit so everyone can get to and from their holiday celebrations.”

Many New Yorkers enjoy alcoholic beverages with friends and family at the holidays. If you expect to do so, use the Have a Plan app to help determine a safe way to get home. The free app from the GTSC and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows you to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. If you see an impaired driver, you can use the app to report the person. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones.

State and local police will also once again hold their annual 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' impaired driving enforcement campaign. This year, it runs from December 11 through January 1. During that time, there will be increased patrols to keep roads safe from impaired drivers.

If snow falls, drivers need to clear snow before taking to the road. The snow should be fully removed from the front, rear and side windows, as well as the rear-view mirrors. It should also be removed from the roof and hood, so it does not slide down the windshield or blow off and obscure the driver’s view or the view of other motorists.

You can find winter driving tips  and guidance on how drivers should react if they encounter snow or ice, including how to handle a skid, on the DMV website. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also offers  winter driving tips  and suggests keeping emergency supplies in the vehicle.

Before traveling, motorists can check 511NY. Accessible 24 hours per day by calling 511 or visiting  511NY.org, the service provides real-time traffic conditions and links to information about air, rail and transit services.

State Police also offered guidance for holiday shoppers.

“The New York State Police reminds everyone that holiday shopping can increase chances of theft both online and in stores,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “It may sound simple, but whether you are shopping at a large mall or online, always be aware of your surroundings and use caution when providing financial information. Also, while celebrating this holiday season, remember to never drive drunk or impaired and plan for a responsible ride home. By taking appropriate precautions, we can all enjoy a safe holiday season.”

State Police offered the following tips:

Shop with a friend or in a group.

If shopping alone, don’t be afraid to ask security to escort you to your car.

Store purchases in the trunk of your vehicle, under a blanket or out of view.

Do not leave valuables in your car.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your money and credit cards in a front pocket.

If you are shopping at night, try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.

If you are planning to purchase a real tree for the holidays, make sure it is properly secured before driving. That also means the driver should have an unobstructed view out all windows. Drivers can face penalties if an unsecured tree falls off their vehicle.

Drivers who plan to decorate their vehicles are reminded it is not legal to put decorative lights on their car, truck or SUV, and doing so could lead to a ticket. Other decorations must be secured and not obscure the driver’s vision, the vehicle’s lights or the license plates.

For more information about DMV, visit  dmv.ny.gov, or follow DMV on  Facebook,  X,  and Instagram. 

You can also follow the New York State Police on  Facebook and on X.