Police keep extra eye out for speed, phones and drunken drivers over Thanksgiving

Police will be ramping up patrols in our area from now through Monday.

They will be looked for things including speeding, along with drunken and distracted driving.

It’s part of a yearly traffic safety initiative to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

The patrols will include marked and unmarked vehicles.

There were 12,975 tickets issued during last year’s initiative, with 183 drivers arrested for DWI.

The New York State Police, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have these tips to help 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 ride-sharing service, 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.