New York State Police are increasing patrols this holiday weekend. Starting today and lasting until Sunday, you can expect to see more police on the roads and DWI checkpoints.
What will police be looking for?
Police are increasing patrols to improve safety over the holiday. In particular, police will be looking for:
- Drunk driving and driving while impaired by drugs
- Underage drinking
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, including drivers texting and using their cell phones
- Failure to move over
Last year, state police also had increased enforcement across the state. Over that same time period, police arrested more than 200 drivers for DWI. They also issued nearly 6,000 speeding tickets, more than 700 distracted driving tickets and more than 200 tickets for failing to move over.
How do you prevent a ticket?
With increased patrols and checkpoints, be sure to follow the rules of the road this weekend. As state police Superintendent George P. Beach II stated in a recent press release, “Put away your smartphones, follow posted speed limits, make certain that all occupants are buckled up, and move over and slow down when you see emergency and highway maintenance vehicles on the side of the road. Remember, if you’re holiday weekend includes alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. Get a ride home with a sober driver or make other arrangements.”
What to do if you get a ticket or are arrested
Whether you get a ticket or are placed under arrest, you have options. An experienced attorney can help you understand those options and take action. By working with an attorney, you can work to limit the impact of the ticket or arrest on your driving record or criminal record.
