New York State Police will be cracking down on drunken and drugged driving this Fourth of July weekend in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents this holiday.
The Fourth of July weekend is the deadliest holiday weekend to drive in the United States, according to AutoInsurance.org. On average, 450 fatal crashes are reported over the four-day holiday, with 40 percent involving drunk drivers, the group said.
In New York State, drivers should expect sobriety checkpoints and a larger police presence between Friday and Monday, troopers said in a news release. The state police will use marked and unmarked police cars, troopers said.
Last year, the state police investigated 456 collisions and arrested 180 people for driving while intoxicated, troopers said.
“Our message is simple: If you drink and drive, you will be arrested,” said New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
The average drinking and driving arrest costs motorists around $10,000, troopers said.
The police also released this tips 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.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.