Police across New York are intensifying efforts to curb impaired driving as part of a statewide campaign running through Monday (April 20). The initiative aims to prevent accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities urge motorists to ensure a safe ride home and avoid driving impaired.

The campaign is part of ongoing efforts by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to reduce alcohol- and drug-related traffic incidents. During a similar enforcement effort for St. Patrick’s Day, New York law enforcement issued over 68,000 tickets, including 1,694 for impaired driving, as reported by CBS6 Albany.

In addition to impaired driving, the New York State Police are also targeting distracted driving as part of the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign, which ran from April 6 to April 13. This initiative, aligned with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, focused on drivers using electronic devices. Last year, this effort led to over 22,000 tickets, including more than 4,600 for distracted driving violations, according to National Today.

The New York State Police employ both marked and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to spot violations. This approach allows officers to observe infractions from an elevated position while blending into traffic. The Finger Lakes Daily News reports that fines for distracted driving range from $50 to $200 for a first offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations.

As the crackdown continues, authorities remind drivers to stay focused, avoid distractions, and refrain from driving under the influence to ensure safety on the roads.

Christa Cooper