July 1, 2025
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. Law enforcement officers from across the state will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. The campaign, which is funded by GTSC, begin on Monday, June 30 and will run through Sunday, July 6.
“Our goal is to keep New York’s roadways safe for everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “The 4th of July holiday is often the pinnacle of summer celebrations. We are simply asking anyone celebrating to plan ahead and ensure they have a sober ride home. We will not tolerate drivers who make poor decisions that compromise everyone’s safety.”
Governor Hochul and her administration have been committed to making New York a safer place, including renewing and strengthening deduction to curbing impaired drivers. Statistics show that 563 people died in impaired driving crashes in New York in 2023.
Alicia Tamboia and Cody Veverka were two of 480 people killed in impaired-driving crashes in New York State in 2014. Both were in their early 20s with bright futures ahead of them, until the night of July 4, 2014, when they were the victims of an impaired and speeding driver on the
Thruway in Albany County. Their families joined representatives of GTSC, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), New York State Police and AAA at a press conference today at
Thruway Authority Headquarters in Albany to mark the start of the campaign and share the stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. Sadly, since Alicia and Cody’s deaths, the number of lives lost in impaired driving crashes has continued to climb.
Lori Tamboia, mother of impaired driving victim Alicia Tamboia, said, “Unfortunately, my loss, my story is not a single incident. This is just one of many crashes that have occurred due to drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated or impaired. These are conscious, selfish, reckless, poor and deadly decisions that cause devastation. They need to stop. We must make responsible decisions. Crashes and deaths caused by drunk and drugged drivers are 100% preventable.”
In addition to the increased law enforcement patrols, to help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 3 through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 7.
Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends during the July 4th holiday, we encourage them to make safe driving practices their top priority. Impaired, drunk, and aggressive driving behaviors pose threats on our roadways and cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths. The State Police is committed to making our roadways safer and together, we can make sure everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Independence Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the summer and we want everyone to get where they need to go safely and with a minimum of hassles. Governor Hochul’s decision to suspend construction activities this weekend will help ensure that New Yorkers spend the coming days celebrating our nation’s birthday and not sitting in traffic. But safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I urge all motorists to pay attention while they are driving, obey speed limits, refrain from any form of distracted driving and to move over for roadside emergency and maintenance vehicles.”
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and motorists. This holiday weekend, we want everyone to arrive to their destinations safely. Our employees and emergency responders will be out on the roads assisting motorists 24/7 and want to go home to their loved ones at the end of the day. We urge motorists to plan ahead, make safe decisions and stay alert. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”
James Quattrone, Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, said, “July 4th is when we celebrate our freedom and independence. Part of being free and independent is making choices that keep yourself and others safe. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy your time with friends and family this July 4th weekend, maybe see some fireworks, but remember to be safe on the roads and have a plan to not drive impaired.”
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police proudly supports the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s July 4th enforcement campaign. Independence Day is a time for celebration, but it must also be a time for responsibility. Our law enforcement agencies across the state are committed to keeping our roadways safe through proactive enforcement efforts aimed at preventing impaired and reckless driving. We urge all New Yorkers to make smart decisions—plan ahead, drive sober, and always wear your seatbelt. Together, we can save lives and ensure a safe holiday for everyone."
During the same campaign last year, law enforcement issued 37,899 tickets. A total of 1,227 people were charged with driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs and 441 tickets were issued for failing to abide by the Move Over Law.
The state’s Move Over Law was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Motorists are urged to stay alert while driving, slow down and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of other drivers, passengers, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on it.
Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving.
The Thruway Authority reminds motorists that every service area located on the Thruway from the lower Hudson Valley to the Pennsylvania State line is open (26) with the exception of one service area on I-87 southbound which is closed and under construction as part of the $450 million redevelopment project. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.
Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
The New York State Police will be using both marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
If you drive drunk or drugged, you not only put your life and the lives of others at risk, but you could also face arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000.
Arrested drunk and drugged drivers face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.
The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent impaired driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi or rideshare, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- Use your community’s sober ride program.
- If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
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