Halloween Crackdown on DWI's in New York

Extra patrols to look for drunk driving in NY this Halloween weekend.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will be adding special DWI patrols and setting up sobriety checkpoints this weekend. Dubbed ‘Halloween STOP-DWI’, the campaign is aimed at cracking down on motorists who are driving drunk in New York.

Because Halloween falls on a weekend this year, it is anticipated that there will be more parties and events. Adult themed costume parties are becoming increasingly popular and the concern is the potential for drunk drivers on the streets on the same evening as trick-or-treaters. Coordinators of the STOP-DWI program recommend designated drivers, planning a safe way home from a party and use of a taxi or public transportation. They also encourage all motorists to notify police if they suspect someone is driving drunk.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 44% of highway fatalities in the United States on Halloween night involve a motorist or motorcyclist who is legally impaired.