A crackdown on dangerous, drunk and distracted driving on the New York State Thruway resulted in over 1,500 tickets being issued over Memorial Day Weekend, the governor’s office recently announced. (Dan Gleiter | [email protected] Dan Gleiter) Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.
Partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, these efforts were part of a commitment from Gov. Kathy Hochul to protect drivers, pedestrians and roadway workers.
State troopers used sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols to look for impaired motorists. Additionally, they ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices.
“New York State has zero tolerance for drunk and impaired driving, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent the senseless tragedies that result from it,” Hochul said.“Public safety is my number one priority, and we will continue to aggressively enforce our driving laws so that New Yorkers are protected.”
As part of a special enforcement period by the State Police, which ran from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, a total of 1,573 tickets were issued on the New York State Thruway, according to data provided by the governor’s office. This number included 563 tickets issued for speeding and 68 tickets for distracted driving. In addition, 19 DWI arrests were made on the New York State Thruway over the holiday weekend.
Statewide, troopers issued 10,949 tickets and arrested 225 people for DWI over Memorial Day weekend.
In comparison to last year, these statewide numbers stayed somewhat consistent.
Over Memorial Day Weekend 2023, State Police issued 13,471 total tickets and arrested 219 people for DWI.
“The results of this year’s campaign show that too many people are still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or impaired by drugs,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said. “This behavior will not be tolerated, and our Troopers will remain vigilant in the removal of these reckless individuals from our roadways. I thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering support in keeping New York’s roadways safe for all who travel them.”
