Reminder: DWI Crackdown Spans July Fourth Weekend

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — State Police and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols to combat drunk and impaired driving this July Fourth weekend.

Troopers will be using both marked and unmarked vehicles as part of the crackdown. Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles allow the officer to better observe driving violations. The vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once their emergency lights are activated.

July Fourth is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and police will be out in force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from New York highways, officials said.

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Last year, despite the pandemic, the State Police issued nearly 9,214 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested 180 people for DWI and investigated 456 crashes and one fatality.

The 2021 campaign will begin Friday and run through Monday.

"With all that we've been through over the last sixteen months, we certainly want New Yorkers to have fun this holiday weekend and celebrate, but we also want them to do so responsibly," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in the announcement. "Getting behind the wheel while impaired is a choice that often ends in tragedy. Make the right choice this year and plan ahead for a sober and safe ride home."