Law enforcement will increase DWI patrols this weekend
Courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
Local and state law enforcement agencies will have increased patrols for driving while intoxicated this weekend.
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said the local law enforcement agencies will have an increased presence from today through July 6.
“July 4th can be a dangerous time on our roadways due to the increase in parties and festivities,” Bourke said.
Although it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2018 stats revealed a yearly total of 10,511 drunk driving deaths, which an average of one person killed every 50 minutes.
Bourke urges people who have been drinking to plan for a safe way to get home by calling for a ride from a sober friend, family member, taxi, public transportation or Uber.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also said New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions during the 4th of July holiday.
State Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide in an effort to keep New York highways safe during one of the busiest summer holidays for travel.
“While the July Fourth weekend is a time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends, too often drinking leads to poor decisions when it is time to go home,” Cuomo said. “To ensure safety on our roads this holiday, State Police and local law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired driving of any kind. I urge all New Yorkers to act responsibly and make arrangements to find a safe way home – never drink and drive.”
Last year, the State Police issued nearly 13,410 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested 249 people for DWI and investigated 187 crashes, which resulted in two fatalities.
