Police increase patrols for Halloween, targeting drunk and reckless drivers
The campaign comes as AAA says more than 200 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween across the country between 2019 and 2024.
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New York State Police and local law enforcement are increasing their patrols this week as Halloween approaches, targeting drunk and reckless drivers.
The enforcement campaign began on Sunday and is set to go through Halloween night. It is one of several coordinated initiatives funded by the governor's traffic safety committee to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. During last year’s initiative, law enforcement officers issued 44,545 tickets, including 1,210 for impaired driving and 8,701 for speeding.
The campaign comes as AAA says more than 200 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween across the country between 2019 and 2024.
Troopers on the thruway will also be monitoring various bridges and overpasses for pranks and unsafe activities as part of their 50th Annual Pumpkin Patrol, including throwing objects onto the Thruway.
To help prevent injuries and medical emergencies during Halloween, the American Medical Response says you should arrange a safe ride home if you plan on drinking. Designate a sober driver in your group or call an Uber or Lyft.
If you are sober and driving, make sure you are extra cautious behind the wheel. Remember to reduce speed and watch for pedestrians, especially while you are driving in residential neighborhoods where children may cross unexpectedly.
