New York's 4th of July High Visibility Enforcement Campaign

While some people unofficially kick off summer during Memorial Day weekend, others wait until the official start of the season, or the summer solstice. Then, there's a whole different category of people who say that summer doesn't really begin until the kids are out of school, and we celebrate the Fourth of July.

canva

With school in the distant rearview mirror, and the 4th quickly approaching, here's some important information to take note of.

Get our free mobile app

Impaired Driving Crackdown in New York

This approach to impaired driving is nothing new, not in New York, and certainly not in the Hudson Valley. Around major holidays and large-scale events like New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and so on. During these 'high celebration times,' there's typically an increase in police presence across the state, and here on Hudson Valley roads.

Canva

During last year's (2024) Halloween crackdown, New York State Police announced that nearly 10,000 tickets were issued between Thursday, October 31st and Sunday, November 3rd. The ticketing was a result of sobriety checkpoints, increased DWI patrol, and to those using handheld electronic devices (distracted driving). A more detailed breakdown of the type of ticket and specific New York locations can be accessed here.

High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign for July 4th Holiday

Across the state, many law enforcement agencies will participate in what is being referred to as a high-visibility enforcement campaign to reduce impaired driving. The dates of this years crackdown are July 3rd (Thursday) through July 6th (Monday), during which many people will be participating in Independence Day celebrations.

canva

The program, a 'unified campaign aimed at preventing alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities' is part of a statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign, and part of a broader series of enforcement efforts that us funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

A press release from Dutchess County indicated that the Fourth of July is cited as the 'second-most dangerous holiday for divers and passengers.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that from 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic crash fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period; in 2023 alone, 617 drivers lost their lives in traffic crashes during the holiday period.

More information about the initiative can be found here, and for those interested in utilizing an app-based service to find a safe ride home, click here for more.