Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced that State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols through Thanksgiving weekend, targeting impaired and reckless driving. The special enforcement period will run from Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 1 and will also target other unsafe driving behaviors, such as Move Over Law violations.
“Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, and we want everyone to reach their friends and loved ones safely,” Hochul said in a news release. “I thank our troopers and local law enforcement for working on Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays to help keep our roads safe. I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober, and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road.”
According to the release, major increases in traffic volume occur during the Thanksgiving holiday period. It is also a time of the year that is associated with increased alcohol use. During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday period, police officers arrested 1,342 drivers for DWI, issued 7,656 speeding tickets and 970 tickets for distracted driving.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “A common threat on our roads that we continually fight is impaired and drunk driving. Traffic enforcement is imperative to everyone’s well-being and the goal of making this holiday a safe one.”
The State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide through efforts including fixed sobriety checkpoints and utilizing unmarked patrol vehicles.
Craig DuMond, NYS Sheriffs’ Association president and Delaware County sheriff said, “The Thanksgiving holiday is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Don’t ruin your life, or someone else’s, by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The sheriffs of New York state want you to enjoy the long holiday weekend and to have a plan to not drive impaired.”
Construction closures suspended
In addition to increased patrols, to help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on state highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers, or for emergency repairs, the release stated.