The holiday season is the season of joy and people can get all too swept up in the parties and celebrations by consuming too much alcohol and then getting behind the wheel.  New York State Police warn drivers to think again and have a plan BEFORE you get behind the wheel and put yourself and others at risk.

New York State Police have joined forces with local law enforcement to crack down on impaired driving this holiday season through January 1, 2019. Officers will also be looking for distracted drivers, those not buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road. In addition, Police will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

Needless to say, expect sobriety checkpoints and expect to see more law enforcement officers out and about, although there will be unmarked police cars out as well.

If you plan on going out and consuming alcohol, New York State Police have suggestions on how to be safe:

The Have a Plan app can help. The free app from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows you to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. You can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android, and Windows smart phones.

· Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins;
· Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
· If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
· Use your community’s sober ride program;
· If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
· If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

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