State Police: Use Extra Caution In Your Holiday Driving

New York State Police Major Edward Raso is urging motorists to exercise extra care on the highways during the holidays — and warning that state troopers are on the look out for drunken drivers.

“The Christmas Holiday period is traditionally a time of shopping, parties and celebrations,” Raso said. “Motorists and families will be traveling our roadways in great numbers, and drivers should take steps to ensure a safe trip for everyone in the car.” 

Raso warned that stepped up patrol efforts during the holiday period watch for impaired drivers, speeders, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, cell phone usage and other traffic violators. The State Police will be doing additional sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols looking for impaired drivers.

Over the past week, State Police and local police checkpoints throughout the Rockland, Westchester and Putnam area have led to numerous arrests for drunken driving.

“Too often, police officers witness first-hand the tragic and often needless loss of life resulting from highway crashes,” Raso said. “Many of these highway deaths and injuries result from the illegal actions of motorists. All too often, innocent, law abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless and reckless disregard for human life. We’re encouraging the public to make wise choices this holiday period, helping us to prevent needless tragedies during what should be a time of joy and celebration."

Think before you drink!

 Safety Tips to Prevent a Drunk Driving Crash

 · Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

· Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave the car keys at home;

· If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

· If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement;

· And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

· "Buzzed driving" is drunken driving.