NYSP: Patrols will increase for America’s 250th celebration weekend

Law enforcement patrols will be increasing substantially for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend.

As authorities are anticipating a wide variety of parties and gatherings to help ring-in America’s 250th celebration of Independence, State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be teaming up to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide.

The special enforcement campaign will last through Sunday, July 5.

Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer.

During the same campaign last year, law enforcement issued 49,843 tickets. A total of 1,563 people were charged with driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, 612 tickets were issued for Move Over Law violations and 1,926 tickets were issued for distracted driving.

To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways have been suspended through 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 6. Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

“Have fun celebrating this historic holiday and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, but do it responsibly,” Governor Hochul said.

“New York is doing everything we can to make travel this weekend as smooth and safe as possible, but safety on the roads is a team effort. We have zero tolerance for reckless drivers who endanger others, so please have a plan if you will be drinking and do not drive impaired.”

“Dangerous behaviors such as speeding, impaired, and reckless driving cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths on our roads each day," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.

"As we gear up to commemorate the 4th of July, we all need to be proactive and plan ahead to celebrate responsibly. Remember, everyone is trying to get somewhere to enjoy the holiday, and we must share the road in a safe and respectful manner. Through strong partnership and enforcement, the New York State Police will continue to work with the DMV and our law enforcement colleagues to keep irresponsible drivers off the road.”

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