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Published on January 11, 2025
New York State Issues Over 129,000 Traffic Tickets During 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' CampaignSource: Governor Kathy Hochul

Just before the busy holiday season transitioned into the less-chaotic routines of the New Year, New York state authorities embarked on a massive crackdown targeting impaired and reckless drivers. The results of this initiative were recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, citing that over 129,000 traffic tickets were issued during the effort. Titled the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, it spanned from December 11, 2024, through January 1, 2025, according to a statement on the governor's official website.

State troopers and local law enforcement carried out the enforcement effort to highlight the dangers of speeding and impaired driving to community safety. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, it marked an extensive step to deter such behavior, with a staggering figure of 23,339 tickets for speeding offenses alone. "Driving infractions unnecessarily put millions of lives at risk, and they are 100 percent preventable," said Governor Hochul, as per the governor's statements. The effort, fueled by a sense of urgency to improve road safety, yielded 4,264 tickets for impaired driving.

Breaking down the numbers, New York State Troopers arrested 750 individuals for driving under the influence (DWI) and issued an additional 45,683 tickets for various other violations. The overarching strategy, supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), reflected a concerted mission not only to patrol the roads during peak seasons but to maintain a sustained campaign of vigilance. Reinforcing the goal of eliminating dangerous driving habits, Mark J.F. Schroeder, GTSC Chair and Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, stated, "The ethos of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is to save lives, and we will continue these enforcement campaigns until all dangerous drivers are eradicated," as reported by the governor's office.

Backed by grant funding intended to bolster supplemental traffic enforcement, particularly during holidays, GTSC's enforcement mobilization was a clear indication of state policy in action. While the safety message is simple, as Mark J.F. Schroeder articulated, "just drive," the GTSC aims to communicate the rules of the road in straightforward terms — slow down, buckle up, move over for stopped vehicles, put electronic devices down, and never drive impaired. In an aligned effort, State Police Superintendent Steven G. James credited the success of this enforcement to the comprehensive work of members and partners in law enforcement, underlining the horrific reality of tragedies that are preventable with responsible choices, Steven G. James told the governor's press release.

New York State isn't only addressing the issue with enforcement but also offers resources for those grappling with addiction. With a nod to prevention and recovery, the state provides the HOPEline, a toll-free helpline for individuals seeking support. Furthermore, the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports is available to facilitate treatment options for residents in need.