Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will participate in a special traffic enforcement initiative to crack down on unsafe driving behaviors during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The special traffic enforcement period runs from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1, 2019.

“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year and our focus is helping ensure everyone gets where they need to go safely so they can spend quality time with family and loved ones,” said Governor Cuomo. “State Troopers and local law enforcement will be highly visible in the coming days, cracking down on impaired and reckless drivers – and I urge drivers to follow the law and make safety your top priority while out on the roads.”

The State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide, including fixed sobriety checkpoints, underage drinking enforcement and the “Operation Hang Up” initiative, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on hand-held phones. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are recognizable as emergency vehicles once their emergency lighting is activated.

“During this Thanksgiving holiday weekend I encourage all New Yorkers to make safety their top priority. If your celebrations include alcohol, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home,” said New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett. “There’s simply no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’re impaired, and State Troopers will have zero tolerance. Make the right choice and avoid the senseless tragedies caused by impaired driving.”

New York State Police, Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:

  • Plan a safe way home before the fun begins
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver
  • If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ride sharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
  • Use your community’s sober ride program
  • If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement
  • If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely