In a December 17, 2015 press release (click here), New York Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies across New York will participate in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign from Friday, December 18, 2015 through Friday, January 1, 2016. "Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols along roadways during this campaign, which is funded through the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTC)."
During the 2014 DWI crackdown, State Police issued more than 49,000 tickets. Of those tickets, more than 17,000 were for speeding, 1,730 were for distracted driving (cell phone use and texting) and 697 for the "Move Over Law". There were also 702 people arrested for DWI and 13 people killed in vehicle crashes.
The press release further states: "The facts are grim: During the 2013 holiday period, 1,180 people nationwide were killed on the road with almost a third of the fatalities related to drunk-driving. On Christmas Day that year, 23 people were killed by drunk drivers".
To keep the roads safer this holiday season, the New York State Police, the GTC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips:
- Plan a safe way home before the celebration begins;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- Use your community sober ride program;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
In 2015, the penalties for Driving While Intoxicated in the State of New York remain some of the toughest in the United States, including the requirement that those individuals convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor (including first time offenders) or a felony must install and maintain an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they own or operate for a fixed period of time.
Further, it is a felony in the State of New York to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated (or impaired by drugs or the combined influence of drugs and alcohol) with a child passenger, who is 15 years old or younger (Leandra's Law). Again, these sanctions apply equally to first time and repeat offenders.
With the above in mind, I would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season and a Happy New Year.
Brian Berkowitz, is a former prosecutor and a DWI, Criminal Defense and Traffic Ticket Attorney representing clients in Rockland County and the State of New York.
Law Office of Brian Berkowitz, 222 North Main Street, New City, NY 10956. 845-638-9200.
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