ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — New York State Police are joining local law enforcement to crack down on impaired and reckless driving this weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 9, through Sunday, February 11.
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During last year’s enforcement campaign, State Police issued 11,865 tickets and arrested 183 people for impaired driving. A conviction for impaired driving carries a maximum fine of $10,000, up to 7 years in prison, and license revocation.
State Troopers will be using marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles, and there will be an increase in sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Motorists are also urged to remember to move over for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles on the side of the road.
Hosts who serve alcohol could be held liable if a guest who drinks gets into a crash. State Police have released the following tips to keep everyone safe:
- Those hosting get-togethers or parties are asked to encourage guests to arrange a ride with a sober driver or use a ridesharing service.
- If someone who has been drinking plans to drive, it is advised to take away their keys. Hosts who don’t drink should also offer to drive guests home.
- Download the “Have a Plan” mobile app . The app helps locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. A good time to stop serving alcohol is at the end of the third quarter.