By Hank Russell
Law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 49,948 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,021 tickets for impaired driving, during a statewide mobilization surrounding Super Bowl celebrations. The campaign ran from February 3 to February 9.
“New York has zero tolerance for impaired or reckless drivers who put themselves and others sharing the road in danger,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “I thank our law enforcement officers for their vigilance in removing these individuals from our roadways.”
Sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers were conducted throughout the campaign by State and local law enforcement officers. As part of the enforcement, law enforcement officers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state.
As a result of these crackdowns, 8,536 tickets were handed out for speeding, 1,914 were for distracted driving, 1,083 for seatbelt violations, 1,021 were for impaired driving and 227 were for violating the Move Over Law. The other 37,167 tickets were given out for other violations.
During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.
“The results of this campaign show the need for these enforcement campaigns that encourage safe celebrations,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). “Making the right decision is an easy decision. Plan for a sober ride home. It’s not worth the risk of an arrest, injury or death.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added, “The injuries and deaths caused by impaired and drunk drivers are completely preventable. Through continued education and enforcement, the New York State Police remains committed to keeping New York’s roads safe, by discouraging, detecting, and arresting impaired motorists. I thank our law enforcement partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their partnership in combating drunk and impaired driving.”
This impaired driving enforcement campaign is one of the several coordinated initiatives sponsored by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. These targeted mobilizations provide resources to law enforcement statewide to target underage drinking and increase DWI patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the campaign period. Other impaired driving campaigns occur around St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and periods of time from August to September and December to January.
“Hopefully everyone enjoyed the Super Bowl weekend,” said NYS Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattrone. “Millions of people watched the big game and made the smart decision to not drive impaired. Unfortunately, some people put themselves, their passengers, and other road users in danger by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement ticketed and arrested many of these dangerous drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the off-season and thank all of you who chose to not drive impaired.”