State Police and local police agencies ramping up patrols for Super Bowl weekend DWI and impaired driving crackdown, 2023

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that State and local law enforcement agencies throughout New York will be stepping up patrols and targeting impaired driving over the Super Bowl weekend.

The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 10, 2023, through Monday, February 13, 2023. This safety initiative is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

"We want everyone on New York's roads to be safe as you get together with friends and family to watch the Super Bowl, and that's why law enforcement will be out looking for impaired and dangerous drivers," Governor Hochul said.

"Make a plan - hire a taxi, have a designated driver to avoid the deadly consequences of impaired drivers and keep your fellow New Yorkers safe."

During the 2022 campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 27,398 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 919 arrests for DWI.

“Make the winning decision on Super Bowl weekend, and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking," said New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli.

"Those celebrating the big game this weekend should do so safely-game plan ahead or drive sober. Safety is our top priority, and we will be increasing patrols and expanding sobriety checkpoints to identify drunk and impaired drivers and to help prevent senseless tragedies."

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the number of drinking and driving fatalities, too many lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by impaired drivers, the State Police says.

During this enforcement period, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols.

We invited Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli and Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol on North Country News Saturday, where the two shared their remarks encouraging folks to be responsible when it comes to consumption of alcoholic beverages. Listen here:

Image via the Governor's Office.