“Time and time again, we have seen this holiday become the date of avoidable tragedies caused by dangerous, reckless and unacceptable behavior behind the wheel,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “To keep our roadways safe, the state will increase the presence of law enforcement in every community and I urge all New Yorkers to assist in these efforts by making responsible decisions so that everyone can have a safe and happy Halloween.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, 52 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. During the Halloween initiative in 2015, New York State Police arrested 167 people for DWI and issued more than 7,600 tickets for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations. Troopers also responded to more than 737 crashes, which killed two people and injured 85 others. In addition, 26 counties participated in last year’s Halloween crackdown resulting in 77 DWI/DWAI arrests, 11 DWAI-Drugs only arrests, 85 other arrests and 904 Vehicle and Traffic summonses.
State and local law enforcement will be extra vigilant in their efforts to protect families and their loved ones on New York’s roadways, as Halloween falls on a Monday this year. Motorists can expect to see a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional patrols over the weekend. Troopers will also conduct a special enforcement detail to crack down on the sale of alcohol to minors.
Troopers will use marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the crackdown. CITE vehicles allow Troopers to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as law enforcement vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
The New York State Police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee ask that everyone follow these easy steps to enjoy a safe Halloween without jeopardizing the lives of others on and off the road.
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