Super Bowl Weekend Impaired Driving Crackdown In New York

As with many other 'big celebration' weekends or events that tend to revolve around partying, New York State, and the Hudson Valley counties specifically, will be participating in an impaired driving crackdown for this weekend's big game once again.

Super Bowl Sunday Driving Statistics

According to Advocates Law, Super Bowl weekend has been deemed one of the deadliest times for driving, with an approximate number of 45% of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Data also shows that crashes increase 41% after the game as compared to a 'typical' Sunday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nationally, on average, three people will lose their lives to drunk driving just in the time it takes to watch a football game.

READ MORE: Is New York An 'OK' State For Drivers?

DWI Crackdown Announced

From Sunday, February 8th, through Monday, February 9th, local agencies across the Hudson Valley will be participating in a high-visibility enforcement effort for Super Bowl weekend. The initiative, an effort to keep roads safe and dangerous drivers off local roads, is designed to 'protect all motorists during one of the year's peak periods for social gatherings and travel.

Dutchess County Government, in their announcement of the weekend's crackdown efforts, shared information that though initiatives such as this one help to lower the number of alcohol and/or drug related crash deaths in NYS, that impaired driving continues to claim too many lives. Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino shared the following:

Dutchess County's roads should be safe for everyone. We thank the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who work year-round to keep our neighbors safe. Make the winning play during Super Bowl weekend and plan for a safe ride home.

With the campaign will come increased law enforcement on Hudson Valley roads, along with checkpoints as well. In order to get ahead of any potential incidents, drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for a sober ride, and even consider utilizing the Have A Plan mobile app which will allow motorists to find safe transportation options.