Over 10,000 Were for Speeding
By Hank Russell
Recent data from the governor’s office showed that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 55,661 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including speeding and drunk driving, as part of the enforcement period, which ran from March 10 to March 17.
Out of the tickets given out that week, 10,314 were for speeding, 2,351 were for distracted driving and 1,428 were for seatbelt violations. Law enforcement also issued 1,224 for driving under the influence and 364 for violating the Move over Law. In addition, 39,980 were for other violations.
The St. Patrick’s Day 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, according to the governor’s office.
“Public safety is my number one priority, and alongside our partners in law enforcement, we’re cracking down on dangerous and illegal driving that puts our communities at risk,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “I’ll always stand up to protect the people of New York, and I encourage everyone to drive responsibly over holidays, celebrations and beyond.”
During the campaign, state and local law enforcement officers utilized sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The statewide initiative was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).
“This is one of several holidays where we know there is a higher likelihood of individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “By conducting these annual mobilizations, we strengthen the ability of law enforcement to protect everyone on our roads during those periods.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I applaud the tremendous work put forth by our State Police members and law enforcement partners that have attributed to the success of this initiative. The New York State Police will steadily continue to intercept drunk and impaired drivers throughout New York State.”