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In anticipation of Halloween, police across New York State are ramping up efforts to ensure road safety. The yearly crackdown on impaired and reckless drivers, which runs through October 31st, is part of a broader initiative to reduce the number of accidents during this period. Last year, over 32,000 citations were issued during the initiative.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the increased patrols, which will include sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI patrols. "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."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is a particularly dangerous day due to the high number of impaired drivers and an increase in pedestrian traffic. In 2022, 72 people died in traffic crashes on Halloween night, with 46 percent of those fatalities occurring in alcohol-related crashes. Data shows that Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians under the age of 18.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and be mindful of extra pedestrian traffic. "Halloween is meant to be a fun day, but it can turn deadly when someone makes the wrong choice to drink and drive," James said to the Hudson Valley Post.