The New York State Police will crack down on impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. The special STOP-DWI enforcement campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, will include increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify, and arrest impaired drivers, as well as underage drinker enforcement. The enforcement initiative runs from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.
State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “The New York State Police wants everyone to enjoy Super Bowl weekend – but please do so responsibly. Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. As always, Troopers will be looking out for reckless and impaired drivers. If your celebrations include alcohol, please plan ahead for a safe ride home. No one wins when someone makes the choice to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired.”
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the number of drinking and driving fatalities, too many lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by impaired drivers. During the 2021 Super Bowl campaign, State Police arrested 140 people for impaired driving and issued 8,923 total tickets.
During this enforcement period, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
An impaired driving conviction carries a maximum fine of $10,000, up to 7 years in prison and license revocation.
If you are hosting, you’re the team captain! Designate a responsible driver now to help your guests get home safely:
- Ask all of your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance or help them arrange ridesharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter—this is a good time to serve coffee and dessert.
- Sign up online for a ridesharing service or keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from any guests who are thinking of driving after drinking.
- The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Droid and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.
- Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable.
- If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent or guardian can be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
