This holiday season is a period of celebration. However, this is also a period where lots of accidents occur as a result of drunk driving. The NYPD has a plan in place to reduce accidents, especially ones caused by drunk driving, this period. Here are the details you need to stay informed.
Why drunk driving increases during the holidays
This holiday you may be attending family gatherings, parties, and maybe a few late-night gatherings or celebrations. These events are great, but you may be exposed to alcohol. While you may decide to take an alcoholic drink, you need to be careful, especially if you will be driving home after the gathering. If you choose to drive home drunk, you will be putting other road users at risk.
Statistics show that more than 30% of car accidents in New York State involve alcohol. This number tends to rise during the holidays due to increased celebrations. In 2023, the Big Apple saw a 24% increase in traffic deaths related to drunk driving compared to the three-year average.
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How the NYPD detects drunk drivers during Christmas
The NYPD has honed specific tactics to identify drunk drivers during the holiday season. Their approach includes:
- Sobriety checkpoints: Officers set up roadblocks at strategic locations to stop and evaluate drivers for signs of intoxication.
- Increased patrols: Additional officers are assigned to monitor major highways and streets with a history of high-speed incidents.
- Technology use: Remote sensing devices and Department of Transportation (DOT) speed cameras are utilized to identify reckless driving behavior.
“Drivers need to know not only that they will be pulled over if they have been drinking, but also that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence now has much greater consequences,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
What happens if you are caught driving drunk
The consequences for driving while intoxicated (DWI) are severe. In New York, penalties can include:
- Heavy fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Potential jail time
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
Beyond the legal consequences, drunk driving can lead to devastating accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. During the holidays, these incidents often result in tragedies that are completely preventable.
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Why this year’s enforcement is stricter
The NYPD’s strategy this year is especially rigorous, partly due to troubling trends. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a national rise in alcohol consumption, and New York City is no exception. This has contributed to an increase in traffic fatalities involving alcohol.
Additionally, new laws are being considered to combat the issue further. State Senator John Liu is advocating for lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for DWI from 0.08% to 0.05%. If passed, this would bring New York in line with countries like France and Japan, where stricter BAC laws have significantly reduced drunk driving incidents.
Tips to avoid driving under the influence
If you plan to celebrate this holiday season, here are some simple ways to avoid putting yourself and others at risk:
- Use public transportation: Take the subway, buses, or other forms of public transit available in New York City.
- Call a taxi or ride-share: Services like Uber and Lyft are reliable options for getting home safely.
- Designate a sober driver: If you are celebrating with a group, assign someone who will not drink to be the driver.
- Plan ahead: Make arrangements before going out so you are not tempted to drive after drinking.
Why the NYPD’s tactics are effective
The NYPD’s has sent out a clear message: drunk driving will not be tolerated.
By combining increased patrols, advanced technology, and public awareness campaigns, they aim to reduce accidents and save lives. Their efforts align with a broader “zero tolerance” policy that involves multiple city agencies working together to ensure safety on the roads.
As State Senator John Liu stated, “The holidays are the deadliest time of year when it comes to drinking and driving, so the City is doing the right thing by stepping up enforcement so everyone can enjoy the season without fear of preventable tragedy.”
By being aware of these measures and planning responsibly, you can contribute to a safer holiday season for everyone.
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