Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Holiday Enforcement Campaign

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Holiday Enforcement Campaign

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The annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative is back to combat impaired driving during the 2024 holiday season. Running from December 11, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the campaign is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and will see heightened enforcement from State Police and local law enforcement agencies. This nationwide effort targets impaired, reckless, and distracted driving to keep roads safer during the busy holiday period.

Law enforcement officials are clear: New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving. Drivers will face tickets or criminal charges if they are caught driving under the influence. Officers will also be vigilant for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to exercise caution when passing stopped vehicles.

Construction Closures Suspended to Ease Travel

To support safe and efficient holiday travel, New York State has suspended temporary construction closures on major highways. From December 21 to December 26, and again from December 31 to January 2, construction activities will pause to minimize delays during peak travel periods. While some work may continue in areas with permanent barriers, this initiative is part of the state’s Drivers First Program, designed to prioritize smoother travel for motorists during the holidays.

A Reminder to Stay Alert and Drive Responsibly

Authorities are urging drivers to stay alert and follow all traffic laws, especially in construction zones or near emergency vehicles. The holiday season sees an increase in impaired and distracted driving, making it crucial to plan for a safe ride home. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its tradition of offering free coffee to travelers on New Year’s Eve to encourage alert driving.

Tips for Safe Holiday Driving

To ensure a safe holiday season, law enforcement and the GTSC offer these tips:

  • Plan a safe ride home before drinking.
  • Use a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation if impaired.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

For more information, New Yorkers can use the "Have a Plan" app, which helps find safe ride options and provides information on impaired driving laws.

25 Non-Profits to Support in the Hudson Valley

While people benefit from them every single day, non-profit organizations remain one of the many overlooked key parts of communities. Within New York State alone, there are 116,834 non-profit organizations created to benefit the local communities, with over thousands of them being located within the Hudson Valley. With many focusing on multiple different needs of various communities, there are non-profits in the Hudson Valley that advocate for community, change, and growth – all for little to no direct profit. 

Non-profits rely on the support of their local communities to be able to spread their messages and widen their audiences, allowing more people to benefit from their organizations. From creative arts and wildlife explorations to support and donation centers, there are multiple non-profits located in the Hudson Valley that cater towards the needs of their respective communities to help aid in their growth. 
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