Recent DWI campaigns report positive results
New York residents know drunken driving is a serious issue. Fortunately, several recent campaigns report positive results. There are a total of seven DWI related initiatives throughout the state each year. Many are held over holiday weekends, when higher numbers of alcohol related crashes are reported.
Drinking and Driving Charges
Advocates of these efforts say they are one of the most effective ways of fighting drunk driving. However, police are looking for various types of illegal behavior in addition to drunk driving. Activities such as speeding, tailgating, or improper lane changes could mean the driver is impaired.
One recent campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol related car crashes over the 4th of July weekend. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration statistics show that alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal car crashes over the 4th of July weekend. Additionally, almost one-third of all recent crashes in the Tri-State area involved alcohol.
Checkpoints and Patrols During the Holidays
The campaign, referred to as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, featured extra checkpoints and patrols. It ran from June 29th to July 5th and aimed at reducing the number of impaired drivers and improving roadway safety.
Another campaign focused on Labor Day weekend. New York State Police Troop C reports their recent campaign, titled “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest”, was successful. The campaign ran from August 17th through September 3rd. During the Labor Day weekend campaign, approximately 40 people were arrested by troopers for DWI. Six of the arrests were within a two hour period in Broome County.
Police Citations in New York
Aside from DWIs, around 2,100 drivers were cited for hazardous moving violations and 1,000 were given speeding citations. Additionally, 190 were issued citations for not wearing seatbelts.
Although it is not known just how many lives are saved with these campaigns, a Troop C commander says it is clear the campaign that ran over Labor Day was a significant accomplishment. He states he has no doubts that roads throughout the state were made safer over the holiday weekend.
Cost of Conviction
An arrest for a DWI is often costly. It is estimated that one DWI arrest in New York could cost a driver up to $8000 between fines, legal fees, and higher insurance costs. Since driving privileges are also normally revoked for a period of time, alternate transportation costs must also be considered.
A single DWI conviction can have serious long term consequences. This is why it is imperative that an individual facing a DWI charge take steps to defend their rights. An experienced DWI attorney can provide knowledge and guidance as well as make sure driving privileges and rights are protected.