A new mobile app has been launched to connect impaired individuals to ride-shares for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Developed by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the Have a Plan mobile app has a designated driver list and is designed to help New Yorkers locate and call a taxi service. It is available to all Apple and Android users.
Increased patrols by both state and local police will run Friday through Sunday.
During St. Patrick’s Day weekend last year, police statewide issued 21,282 tickets, which included 959 DWI tickets and 188 for distracted driving, according to the Governor’s Office. This weekend of celebrations is regarded as one of the high-risk events for an increase in impaired and reckless driving, including others like Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day and the holiday season.
“If you’re going to celebrate, celebrate responsibly. Putting safety first can prevent tragedies caused by impaired or distracted driving,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. In a news conference Thursday morning, Schroeder advised the public to arrange a safe way to get home, either with a designated sober driver, public transport or using taxi and other ride-hailing services.
Drunken driving kills more than 11,600 people across the United States every year. An average of 32 people die every day due to an alcohol-related crash, and those deaths are preventable.
Buffalo will have two St. Patrick’s Day parades this weekend. The Old Neighborhood Parade will run from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday from the Valley Community Center through the Old First Ward. The larger parade starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, where participants will march from Niagara Square down Delaware Avenue to North Street. The Buffalo Police Department will have increased roving DWI patrols this weekend, Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. STOP-DWI funds police for overtime patrols,…
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