The New York State Police will participate in a special traffic enforcement initiative to crack down on unsafe driving behaviors during the Thanksgiving holiday. This special traffic enforcement period will run from Nov. 22 to 26.

State Police will supplement their regular patrols statewide, including fixed sobriety checkpoints, which target distracted drivers with unmarked traffic enforcement vehicles. Elevated traffic volumes typically occur during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is also a time when alcohol consumption is widespread. During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday period, State Police arrested 213 drivers for DWI, issued 4,757 speeding tickets, and 425 tickets for distracted driving.

People who are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can face arrest costs up to $10,000. They will also face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

If you’re celebrating with alcohol, I encourage you to designate a sober driver and plan for a safe ride home. I thank the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their support and collaboration on this pivotal enforcement. Our troopers remain committed to ensuring everyone’s safety and by motorists making the right choices, together we can prevent needless tragedies on our roadways.”

The New York State Police, GTSC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend several tips to 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 or ride sharing service, 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.