Governor announces impaired driving crackdown for Memorial Day

ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced the annual crackdown on impaired and reckless driving for the Memorial Day Weekend — as well as easing the stress of traveling on the weekend.

“Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer driving season, and we want to ensure everyone gets where they are going safely,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “I urge all motorists to drive responsibly and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Impaired driving is not tolerated in New York State.”

Governor Hochul stated that the initiative — partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Council and in conjunction with local and county law enforcement statewide — will begin at 6 pm on Friday, May 24.

Motorists can expect increased patrols by state, county and local police departments, as well as sobriety checkpoints. Troopers will be patrolling in marked and unmarked cars to better identify violators.

Last year, troopers arrested 194 people during the Memorial Day weekend for driving while impaired, issued almost 13,500 tickets, and investigated just under a thousand crashes. According to the New York State Police, no fatal crashes were reported that weekend.

“As we take time this Memorial Day to honor those who died in service to our county, we encourage all motorists to make safety the number one priority,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said in a statement. “Wear your seat belt, remain alert and above all, drive sober. If you do drink, do not get behind the wheel of any vehicle – instead, plan for a safe ride home. Troopers will be highly visible this weekend and will have zero tolerance for impaired and reckless drivers.”

Motorists were also reminded to adhere to the state’s expanded Move Over Law. Expanded in March, the law requires all drivers to slow down and move over to the next lane for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. That law was expanded to include all law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles and disabled vehicles.

Governor Hochul also announced that temporary lane closures for construction projects will be suspended beginning at 6 am on Friday, May 24. That suspension will be in effect until 6 am on Tuesday, May 28.

“It is our goal at the Department of Transportation to make travel as predictable and safe as possible, especially during days of high traffic volumes. But even with this pause in road work, it is imperative that drivers do their part to keep everyone safe,” Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said in a statement. Put down your phones, always pay attention, and slow down and move over for any vehicles on the side of the road. Let’s work together to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely this holiday weekend.”

The increased patrols will continue until 11 pm on Monday, May 27.

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