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State Police and Local Law Enforcement to Crack Down
on Impaired and Reckless Driving Through Halloween
Published: October 25, 2024
07:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from New York State Police
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES STATE POLICE AND LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT TO CRACK DOWN ON IMPAIRED AND RECKLESS DRIVING THROUGH
HALLOWEEN
Governor Kathy
Hochul today announced that State Police and local law enforcement will
increase patrols through Halloween, targeting impaired and reckless
drivers. The enforcement period begins on Friday, Oct. 25, and runs through
Thursday, Oct. 31, and is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety
Committee.
“Responsible choices are key to ensuring that all New Yorkers have a safe
and fun Halloween,” Governor Hochul said. “If you’re planning to celebrate,
plan to have a sober ride home. I thank the New York State Police and our
local law enforcement for keeping our children, communities and
celebrations safe and fun.”
During the enforcement period, drivers can expect several sobriety
checkpoints and additional DWI patrols. In addition to targeting impaired
drivers, law enforcement officers will also be looking for drivers that are
distracted or speeding.
During last year’s initiative, law enforcement officers issued 32,866
citations and 1,182 drivers were arrested for impaired driving and 6,495
drivers were ticketed for speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports Halloween is a
particularly deadly night due to the high number of impaired drivers on the
roads and a significant increase in pedestrians. In 2022, 72 people died in
traffic crashes during Halloween night. Of those fatalities, 46 percent
occurred in alcohol-related crashes.
Children out trick-or-treating, and those who accompany them, are also at
increased risk. According to AAA Northeast, from 2007 to 2021 federal crash
data shows Halloween is the deadliest day for child pedestrians under the
age of 18. A total of 49 children across the country were killed on
Halloween during that period, nearly double the next deadliest day.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the State Department of Health
are sharing the following helpful safety guidance for parents, caregivers
and drivers to help avoid injuries and ensure a safe and happy
Halloween.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
• Walk on a sidewalk if one is available and use
crosswalks. In areas without sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Look left, right and left again and continue
looking as you cross the street.
• Watch for cars backing up and never dart out
between parked cars.
• Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a
“buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
Stick to areas that are well lit and familiar.
• To be safest, join other
families and walk together. Walking in groups always makes you more
visible.
• In selecting costumes for children, make sure the
child will be fully visible. Wear reflective clothing such as wristbands
and shoes, carry a flashlight or glow sticks, or place reflective tape on
costumes or trick-or-treat bags.
• Be sure that shoes, hats and costumes fit well. A
costume that is too long can be a danger for tripping while walking. Hats
and masks should not block vision.
• Do not use mobile phones or wear headphones.
Always stay aware of your surroundings.
Safety Tips for Drivers
• Give yourself extra time to get to your
destination. You may have to stop for trick-or-treaters, which may add to
your travel time.
• Slow down and continuously scan the road in areas
where trick-or-treaters are likely to be or where visibility is limited.
Slower speeds save lives.
• Stay alert for pedestrians who may emerge from
between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop and wait for them to
pass.
• Look for pedestrians, especially before turning at
a green light and making a right turn on
red.
• Pay attention! Don’t look at your phone when
driving. Always keep your attention on the road.
• If you see a drunk driver, contact law
enforcement.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F.
Schroeder said, “Enforcement periods like this are necessary to raise
awareness about the dangers of impaired and reckless driving. We want
everyone to be safe and enjoy Halloween festivities. Children and parents
should never have to worry about getting home safely when they are out
trick-or-treating.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Halloween is
meant to be a fun day, but it can turn deadly when someone makes the wrong
choice to drink and drive. Drivers should exercise extreme caution and be
mindful of extra pedestrian traffic as children and their parents will be
out walking our streets. Together, we can work to make our roads safer for
all who travel and walk them.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Halloween is the
highlight of the fall season for many children and their families and it’s
important to ensure avoid injuries when out trick-or-treating by practicing
safe pedestrian rules. Pay attention to traffic signs and keep an eye out
for drivers and for each other.”
Delaware County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association
Craig DuMond said, “There is plenty to fear this spooky time of year, but
trick-or-treaters shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous drivers. Law
enforcement will be out to make sure everyone is safe as families are
enjoying Halloween, and sometimes the days before and after. Drivers need
to be on the lookout for pedestrians. It is hard to see ghouls and goblins
if you are speeding or driving impaired. The Sheriffs of New York State
want you to enjoy your tricks and treats safely, so obey the speed limit
and drive sober.”
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of
Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “Stay safe this
Halloween: watch for pedestrians, don’t drive impaired, and slow down for
trick-or-treaters. Let's keep our communities safe and enjoyable for
everyone.”
In addition to offering safety tips ahead of Halloween, the State
Department of Health promotes pedestrian safety all year long through its
See! Be Seen! Pedestrian safety initiative, which recently included a Safe
Street: Walking with Daisy campaign to teach kids in Grades K-5 some simple
rules of the road to help them cross the street safely.
For drivers who might find themselves in need of a way home after Halloween
parties, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State
STOP-DWI Foundation’s “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple and
Android smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi
service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information
on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report a suspected impaired
driver.
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