ALBANY, NY (March 10, 2026) — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols statewide through St. Patrick’s Day as part of an annual campaign to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving.
The traffic safety enforcement period began Monday, March 9, and will run through Tuesday, March 17.
“As Governor, there is no greater commitment than my promise to make our state safer for all, and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said. “Impaired driving is completely preventable, especially in the age of ride share services, taxis and technology such as the ‘Have a Plan’ app. We have zero tolerance for drunk, drugged or reckless driving — all of which make our streets less safe — and we will be relentless in the pursuit of removing irresponsible and dangerous drivers from our roadways.”
The campaign is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and includes DWI checkpoints and increased roving patrols targeting speeding, distracted driving and violations of the state’s “Move Over Law.” New York State Police also will conduct checks at retail establishments to target underage drinking and unlawful alcohol sales to minors.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder warned of the consequences of impaired driving.
“Impaired driving can destroy your life. Not only are you putting yourself and others on the roadways in danger, you are also risking a felony arrest, the loss of your driver’s license and costly legal fees. Having a plan for a safe ride saves lives. It’s simple, designate a sober driver to get home,” Schroeder said.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said law enforcement agencies will be on alert throughout the holiday period.
“State Police and local law enforcement will be vigilant as always, intercepting drunk drivers throughout the state this St. Patrick’s Day,” James said. “Driving is a privilege, not a right. The goal is to ensure that people think twice before drinking and getting behind the wheel. We will continue to work with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to keep New York’s roads the safest in the nation by educating and reminding people to plan ahead.”
During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day impaired driving enforcement operation, officers statewide arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 tickets for speeding and issued 55,661 tickets in total.
Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Juan Figueroa urged drivers to make safe plans during the holiday.
“As St. Patrick’s Day approaches it is a great time to make plans with family and friends. Drive safe and sober and you may have the luck of the Irish,” Figueroa said. “Drive impaired or aggressively and you won’t find a pot of gold, instead you’ll find law enforcement ready to ticket and arrest you. The Sheriffs of New York State want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and the start of Spring but with a plan to not drive impaired.”
According to the announcement, drunk driving kills nearly 12,000 people each year in the United States. One person dies every 45 minutes in an alcohol-related crash — an average of 32 people a day — with every one of those deaths preventable.
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Chief Paul Oliva also urged residents to make safe travel plans.
“Everyone likes to look over a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day, but don’t press your luck,” Oliva said. “Please have a travel plan when celebrating the day. Drive sober, slow down, and stay safe.”
Officials said impaired driving can result in jail time, loss of a driver’s license, higher insurance rates and other expenses. Charges related to impaired driving can carry fines of up to $10,000.
Authorities also encouraged residents to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using taxis or ridesharing services, calling a sober friend or family member, or using public transportation. Officials warned that walking while impaired can also be dangerous and advised designating a sober friend to walk you home.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation also promote the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple and Android smartphones, which allows users to locate and call taxi services, program a designated driver list, access information about DWI laws and penalties, and report a suspected impaired driver.
New Yorkers struggling with addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can call the state’s toll-free HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369) for help. Addiction treatment options including crisis or detox care, inpatient, community residence and outpatient services are available through the New York State OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov and through the OASAS website.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.