Law enforcement agencies across Columbia and Dutchess counties will step up efforts to prevent impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend.
On Sunday, Feb. 9, and Monday, Feb. 10, officers will conduct targeted patrols and sobriety checkpoints at undisclosed locations across the region. Led by the New York State Police in coordination with local law enforcement, the initiative aims to reduce the risk of alcohol- and drug-related crashes and enhance road safety.
The 2024 Super Bowl enforcement campaign resulted in 139 impaired driving arrests statewide and 6,876 total traffic citations.
“Super Bowl weekend is a time for friends, family, and football, but it should never be a time for tragedy,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel — plan ahead for a sober ride. Drunk driving puts everyone on the road at risk, and the consequences can be devastating. The New York State Police will be out in full force to keep our roads safe, and we urge all New Yorkers to do their part. Make the right call — don’t drive impaired.”
The enforcement effort is part of the New York State STOP-DWI program, which funds high-visibility initiatives throughout the year, especially during high-traffic times such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holiday season. According to research cited by Dutchess county officials, such campaigns can reduce impaired driving fatalities by up to 20%.
“We want our roads to be safe for everyone in Dutchess County,” Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said in a statement. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement officers for their hard work in keeping impaired drivers off the streets. Whether you’re cheering for a team in the Super Bowl or not, we all benefit when someone takes responsibility as the designated driver.”
Despite years of awareness campaigns and enforcement, impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths in New York state.
State data shows that drunk drivers are responsible for more than 17,000 deaths annually, the equivalent of 310 funerals each week, or one death every 30 minutes. In New York, alcohol is a factor in roughly 30% of fatal crashes.
Under state law, drivers are considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.05%, while a BAC of 0.08% or greater is considered legally intoxicated.
To encourage responsible choices, the New York State STOP-DWI offers a free mobile app, “Have a Plan,” which helps users find a safe ride home. The app is available for download at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.