Law enforcement will increase DWI patrols over Thanksgiving holiday

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols for impaired drivers from Nov. 23 to Nov. 27.

Bourke the county’s STOP-DWI coordinator, said the local law enforcement agencies will actively participate in the STOP-DWI Thanksgiving High Visibility Engagement Campaign.

“As Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, it is vital that law enforcement presence be at its peak on this night to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, reminding drivers to have a plan while traveling to prevent injuries and save lives,” Bourke said.

During this campaign, law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI programs will collaborate across the state in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

Bourke urged people to have a plan to not drink and drive.

Governor Kathy Hochul also said the State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state will participate in the traffic safety initiative to prevent unsafe driving behaviors as the winter holiday season kicks off. The Thanksgiving weekend initiative runs from Wednesday, November 23, through Monday, November 28.

“Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our top priority is to make sure everyone gets to and from their destinations safely,” Hochul said. “There is zero tolerance for drunk and impaired drivers who risk the lives of everyone on our roadways. If your Thanksgiving celebrations include alcohol, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver.”