Albany, NY (WRGB) — The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) announced an intensified effort by New York State Police and local law enforcement to target reckless and impaired drivers during the July 4th holiday weekend. The campaign, funded by GTSC, will run from June 30 through July 6, featuring sobriety checkpoints and a focus on aggressive driving.

Mark J.F. Schroeder, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC said,

Our goal is to keep New York’s roadways safe for everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend.

He urged celebrants to plan for a sober ride home, emphasizing that poor driving decisions will not be tolerated.

Governor Hochul’s administration has prioritized road safety, with statistics showing 563 fatalities from impaired driving crashes in New York in 2023. The campaign’s launch was marked by a press conference at Thruway Authority Headquarters in Albany, attended by families of victims and representatives from various state agencies.

Lori Tamboia, whose daughter Alicia was killed by an impaired driver, said,

Unfortunately, my loss, my story is not a single incident. These are conscious, selfish, reckless, poor and deadly decisions that cause devastation. They need to stop.

To ease travel, the New York State Department of Transportation will suspend road work from July 3 to July 7, aligning with the state’s Drivers First Initiative to minimize congestion.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James encouraged safe driving practices, stating,

Impaired, drunk, and aggressive driving behaviors pose threats on our roadways and cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths.

The campaign follows last year’s effort, which resulted in over 37,000 tickets issued, including 1,227 for impaired driving. The state’s Move Over Law, expanded in March 2024, requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway.

Motorists are advised to use the “Have a Plan” mobile app for safe travel options and to report suspected impaired drivers. The New York State Police will employ both marked and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles to identify violators.

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind drivers of the severe consequences of impaired driving, including arrest, fines, and potential jail time. They recommend planning a safe way home, designating a sober driver, and using public transportation or rideshare services if impaired.