State & Union: Law enforcement increasing holiday week patrols
New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving ahead of and during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Law enforcement officers from across the state will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. The campaign runs through Sunday.
“Our goal is to keep New York’s roadways safe for everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend,” says Mark J.F. Schroeder, state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner and GTSC chair. “The Fourth of July holiday is often the pinnacle of summer celebrations. We are simply asking anyone celebrating to plan ahead and ensure they have a sober ride home. We will not tolerate drivers who make poor decisions that compromise everyone’s safety.”
Statistics show that 563 people died in impaired driving crashes in New York in 2023.
Alicia Tamboia and Cody Veverka were two of 480 people killed in impaired-driving crashes in New York state in 2014. Both were in their early 20s with bright futures ahead of them, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, until the night of July 4, 2014, when they were the victims of an impaired and speeding driver on the Thruway in Albany County.
Their families joined representatives of GTSC, the DMV, the state Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation, the state police and AAA Tuesday to mark the start of the campaign and share the stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.
Lori Tamboia, mother of Alicia Tamboia, said, “Unfortunately, my loss, my story is not a single incident. This is just one of many crashes that have occurred due to drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated or impaired. These are conscious, selfish, reckless, poor and deadly decisions that cause devastation. They need to stop. We must make responsible decisions. Crashes and deaths caused by drunk and drugged drivers are 100% preventable.”
In addition to the increased law enforcement patrols, to help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York state highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Monday.
Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
“As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends during the July 4th holiday, we encourage them to make safe driving practices their top priority,” said State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Impaired, drunk and aggressive driving behaviors pose threats on our roadways and cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths.”