NYSP TO INCREASE PATROLS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

UTICA, NY – The New York State Police announced that they will increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired, and reckless driving throughout the Labor Day weekend. The special enforcement period will begin on Friday, August 30, 2024, and run through Monday, September 2, 2024. Labor Day weekend typically sees heavy traffic across the state, which unfortunately leads to an increase in accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities. The police will be out in full force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from the roads.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Year-round our members work to reduce drunk driving crashes and promote traffic safety. Our goal during this campaign is to ensure we can take intoxicated and drug-impaired drivers off our road and prevent senseless tragedies. I thank the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their shared commitment in making New York’s roadways safer."

Motorists should expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by both State Police and local law enforcement agencies during the holiday weekend. The enforcement efforts will include the use of both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles, which help officers more easily identify traffic violations. These CITE vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are easily recognizable as emergency vehicles once their lights are activated.

This enforcement initiative is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation encourage motorists to use the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Droid, and Windows smartphones. The app allows users to locate and call a taxi service, set up a designated driver list, learn about DWI laws and penalties, and report suspected impaired drivers.

During last year’s Labor Day weekend enforcement, Troopers arrested 154 people for DWI and issued 8,762 total tickets, including 3,407 for speeding. The increased patrols aim to improve these numbers and ensure a safer holiday weekend for all travelers.