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State Police and local law enforcement to increase patrols for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Published on March 11, 2025

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Don’t test your luck – the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to crack down on drunk and/or impaired driving for this St. Patrick’s Day.

“Through education and enforcement, the New York State Police continuously work to keep drunk and impaired drivers off the road and remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving,” said New York State Police Superintendent, Steven G. James.

Through March 17, drivers should expect increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI, while issuing 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations.

If caught drinking and driving, the State Police warns that you will likely be subjected to jail time, the loss of your license, a higher insurance rate and dozens of unexpected expenses.

Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000.

The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) asks you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road:

  1. Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. 
  2. Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home. 
  3. If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. 
  4. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that each day, approximately 37 people in the United States are victims of drunk driving crashes — about one person every 39 minutes. Every one of those deaths is preventable. 

In addition to DWI (driving while intoxicated) checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase road patrols during the traffic enforcement period to surveil for drivers who are speeding or distracted, or those violating the “Move Over Law.”

New York State Police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign. 

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