Be Prepared To Be Stopped By Police In Erie County This Weekend
Starting today, Thursday, March 16, 2023, law enforcement in Erie County is launching a STOP DWI campaign for St. Patrick's Day weekend. Be prepared to be stopped by law enforcement officers.
According to Spectrum News, police in Erie County will use DWI patrols and sobriety checkpoints to target drunk or impaired drivers. They will also be issuing tickets to distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices. Retail locations are likely to get visits this weekend from law enforcement officers looking for underage drinking and alcohol sales to minors. Governor Kathy Hochul said,
Our message is clear: If you're planning on celebrating St. Patrick's Day with alcohol, make plans for a safe ride home. The tragedies caused by impaired driving are completely preventable if we all put safety first. We have zero tolerance for impaired driving, and I thank our State Police and local law enforcement who will be out in force all weekend.
During the St. Patrick's Day DWI campaign last year, New York State Troopers arrested 381 people for Driving While Impaired. They also gave out 754 tickets for distracted driving and 26,594 tickets in total.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said,
A celebration can turn deadly in an instant because of an impaired or distracted driver. If you are going to be celebrating, please celebrate responsibly. Help us keep New York's roads the safest in the nation by planning ahead. Don't drink and drive and designate a sober driver. It's a critical choice that could save a life.
