Be careful while driving this holiday season
Free ‘Have a Plan’ phone app allows users to find a safe way home
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and New York State Police urge New Yorkers to be cautious and take steps to keep themselves safe while traveling this holiday season. Both agencies offered tips to promote traffic safety.
DMV urges drivers who plan to go out celebrating during the holidays to use the “Have a Plan” app to help determine a safe way to get home. The free app from the GTSC and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows you to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. You can even use the app to report an impaired driver. The app is available for Apple, Android, and Windows smart phones.
Additionally, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impaired driving enforcement campaign runs through January 1. Law enforcement officers statewide will be stepping up patrols.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “When traveling this holiday season, don’t drive drunk, impaired, or distracted and make sure your vehicle is prepared before leaving for your destination. By being alert and taking the appropriate precautions, you can help keep holiday travels safe for all.”
Motorists should make sure their vehicles are clear of snow before traveling. The snow should be fully removed from the front, rear and side windows, as well as the rear-view mirrors. It should also be removed from the roof and hoods, so it does not suddenly slide down the windshield or blow off and obscure the driver’s view or the view of other motorists.
Motorists are advised to check 511NY before traveling. The free travel information system is accessible 24 hours per day by calling 511 or visiting 511NY.org. The service provides real-time traffic conditions and links to information about air, rail and transit services.
For more information about DMV, visit https://dmv.ny.gov, or follow DMV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow the New York State Police on Facebook and Twitter.
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