NEW YORK, NY — The New York State Police will join local law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to crack down on impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend. The STOP-DWI campaign will include underage drinker enforcement, increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The campaign runs from Saturday February 3, until 3 a.m. on Monday, February 5.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the number of drinking and driving fatalities, too many lives continue to be lost due to crashes caused by impaired drivers. During the 2017 Super Bowl campaign, State Police arrest 110 people for impaired driving and issued more than 4,098 tickets. The enforcement crackdown is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “Make the winning decision on Super Bowl weekend and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. State Police will be visible this weekend looking for impaired and distracted drivers. Those celebrating the big game this weekend should do so safely by planning ahead or driving sober. Together, we can save lives and prevent serious injuries.”
An impaired driving conviction carries a maximum fine of $10,000, up to 7 years in prison and license revocation.