Public safety officers across the region will be in full force this holiday weekend to enforce the rules of the road and water.
With Independence Day weekend getting started after work Thursday, police will be cracking down on impaired, distracted, and speeding drivers.
In a memo released Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he urges “all New Yorkers to drive responsibly and obey the rules of the road.”
New York State police will begin their holiday weekend patrols Thursday, continuing through Sunday evening. State police say 10,000 vehicle and traffic tickets were issued on the July 4th weekend in 2013.
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico also had a message for young drivers, asking them to “remember to put down the phone, drive sober, follow the rules of the road and enjoy your time with family and friends.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 179 people were killed in crashes during the July 4th weekend in 2012.
It’s not only state police that will be stepping up their patrols. Expect to see local law enforcement on the roads as well.
Saratoga County Sherriff Michael Zurlo said his deputies will be enforcing the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” message this weekend, and said individuals who plan on drinking should arrange transportation ahead of time.
“Designate a driver, if you don’t have one, call public transportation, a taxi, or call a friend or a family member,” said Zurlo. “Or if people are out there and see somebody that is driving on the road that looks like they’re alcohol impaired, give law enforcement a call so we can get that person off the road.”
With reports of drownings and searches for missing boaters in recent days, officials are also drawing attention to boater safety. Zurlo said his officers will be patrolling local waterways to ensure those operating vessels are not under the influence.
“And it’s more of a safety thing for our patrol to make sure the occupations in a boat have lifejackets on, and follow the navigation rules that they’re supposed to,” said Zurlo.
Massachusetts Environmental Police will be enforcing both state and federal laws on the Bay State’s waterways. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs spokeswoman Amy Mahler said it’s essential to protect children while boating.
“All children under 12 are required to a lifejacket at all times on any vessel, including personal watercraft like Jet Skis or Ski Do’s. All persons riding personal watercraft, all water skiers and tubers, are required to wear approved life jackets as well,” said Mahler.
The Vermont State Police Marine Division is asking boaters to have their registrations up to date and to obey all speed restrictions and noise laws.
