Crime & Safety

Super Bowl Weekend: Cops to Target Distracted, Impaired Drivers

State troopers across Troops F and K—which include Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties—are cracking down on impaired and distracted drivers during Super Bowl weekend.

The efforts begin Friday (Jan. 31) and runs through Monday (Feb. 3). Other law enforcement agencies across the area will also be participating.

“During this campaign period, drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, dedicated DWI enforcement patrols, underage drinking and sales to minors details across New York State," Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said. "Our
troopers will also be working to keep motorists and pedestrians safe on New
York’s roadways by identifying drivers who are illegally using handheld devices while driving. It is important to partner with our local law enforcement partners to save lives and keep drunk drivers off of our roads.”

STOP-DWI and distracted driving efforts throughout the state have led to "significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol, drug and texting-while-driving related fatalities, but lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by impaired and/or distracted drivers," according to officials.

"Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown and texting-while-driving campaigns aim to raise awareness about and reduce drunk or distracted driving," authorities said.

The State Police shared these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for folks headed to a Super Bowl party or watching from a bar/restaurant:

  • Designate your sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely before the party begins.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, then ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay for the night.
  • Use your community’s sober ride program.
  • Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink. 
Here is some information from the NHTSA for hosts of Super Bowl parties: 
  • Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance, or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure they get home safely.
  • Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.


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