New York state is preparing now for an influx of people on the road for Thanksgiving travel.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state began their impaired driving crackdown this weekend.
This special enforcement period runs through next Sunday, Nov. 30.
Last year, the state says officers arrested 1,705 drivers for driving while impaired or intoxicated, and issued 10,078 speeding tickets and 1,702 tickets for distracted driving.
“Thanksgiving is the beginning of the busy holiday season with thousands of people traveling to gather and celebrate with friends and family,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Those celebrations should not be marred by tragedy caused by impaired or reckless driving on our roadways. I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road. I thank our troopers and local law enforcement for spending time away from their loved ones to work on Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays to help keep New York’s roadways safe.”
State officials say the average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000. Those arrested for drunk and drugged driving can face multiple penalties, including the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing and repairs and lost time at work.