Watch out for trick or treaters
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State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt announced plans to join forces with county sheriffs and local police agencies to aggressively target drunk drivers during the upcoming Halloween holiday period. The effort is the latest statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown, which runs from October 24th through November 1st. During the STOP-DWI Crackdown, law enforcement statewide will be stepping up patrols and scheduling sobriety road checks.
"Drinking and driving anytime is a big mistake, but doing so at a time when we know the streets will be filled with kids is a risk nobody should accept. This is reckless behavior we will not tolerate," said Superintendent Corbitt.
Adult Halloween parties have grown in popularity in recent years and many of these include the consumption of alcohol and the potential for impaired driving. This presents an obvious risk to families who take to the streets as pedestrians on the same evening. Therefore, law enforcement officials and traffic safety advocates are taking the matter with great seriousness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night involved a driver or motorcyclist who was legally impaired.
Commissioner David J. Swarts, of the Department of Motor Vehicles said, "During Halloween an increased number of children will be out on our community streets. I urge all motorists to use extra caution during this time and I commend our law enforcement agencies for their steadfast efforts to deter reckless behavior, including drinking and driving, during this holiday period."
"The New York State STOP-DWI Association is pleased to join the County Sheriffs, the Chiefs of Police, the State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee for New York's Halloween STOP-DWI Crackdown effort," said James F. May, Chairman of the STOP-DWI Association. "We hope this statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown serves to remind everyone about the dangers of impaired driving and makes New York's roadways safer."
Peter R. Kehoe, Executive Director of the New York State Sheriffs' Association said, "Halloween is a fun time and we all enjoy this annual appearance of ghosts, witches and goblins. Recently, however, it has become one of our most dangerous nights of the year because of those who elect to drink and drive. Our deputies will be out in force on Halloween to protect, not only our little "trick or treaters," but all who use our streets and highways."
"This year, Halloween has the makings of a perfect storm," says John Grebert, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police. "It's the end of the work week and the beginning of a weekend. We all need to be aware that children will be out in the neighborhoods. And so will New York State's police officers to make sure our families are safe. So please remember, Don't Drink and Drive. It's not worth the risk".
"This is what effective policing and effective government is all about; aggressive enforcement, and working together with others to protect our communities," said Superintendent Corbitt. "If you plan on drinking, I strongly recommend you find safe and sober transportation. The stakes couldn't be higher," he added.
For those who plan on consuming alcohol during Halloween activities, the following tips are strongly recommended, including;
· Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
· Check to see if your community has a safe rides program and learn how to access it;
· Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
· Should you become impaired, call a taxi or sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely; and
· If you see a drunk driver, notify law enforcement immediately.
In addition to impaired driving, authorities are also concerned about the potential for underage drinking and its tragic outcomes during the Halloween holiday period. Anyone with knowledge of underage drinking activities or sale of alcohol to minors is encouraged to report it to the Underage Drinking Hotline at 1-866 UNDER-21 (1-866 863-3721). Calls to the hotline are confidential and toll free.
Press released provided by State Police.
