While Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer celebrations, motorists should remember to drive responsibly not only during the summer months, but at all times. Throughout New York state, police are increasing their patrols of roads statewide, particularly on holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, in addition to the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving.

During the 2025 Memorial Day weekend impaired driving enforcement, 245 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) across New York state and 12,062 tickets were issued.

Across the country in 2024 alone, drunk driving claimed 11,904 lives, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to drive a vehicle changes when consuming any amount of alcohol, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and the level of impairment depends on five conditions:

• the amount of alcohol you drink;
• the amount of food you eat before or while you drink alcohol;
• the length of time you drink alcohol;
• your body weight; and
• your gender.

According to the DMV, DWI is considered as a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) or higher, or other evidence of intoxication. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles, it’s .04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication.

Consequences of Impaired Driving

Motorists should be aware that a DWI charge can lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction and a subsequent criminal record. They should also know that simply being pulled over and asked about their alcohol consumption by an officer does not mean a motorist is guilty of DWI. However, a DWI arrest can carry consequences that extend far beyond a single celebration or evening. Individuals may face criminal penalties, increased insurance costs, employment issues, and long-term impacts on their driving privileges and personal records.

Celebrate Responsibly

Responsibility.org reminds motorists, that if alcohol is involved, to plan for your own safety and the safety of friends by arranging in advance to use ride share services, designating a driver, or making other arrangements to get to and from your gathering.

Hosting? Responsibility.org reminds hosts to be responsible by never serving anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 and to provide water and non-alcoholic drink choices, offer food and ensure that everyone has safe rides home.

The bottom line? Don’t drive drunk. But if you do, and you are charged with a DWI, contact a qualified attorney to represent you.

If you have additional questions about your rights as a driver in New York State, our team of attorneys is available to assist you today. Please call 8885294543 to schedule a consultation, or schedule a consultation online.

As a Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Derrick Hogan, Esq. primarily focuses his practice on criminal defense and heads the Firm’s Criminal Practice in its Albany Office. Derrick has represented clients facing all types of criminal charges, at both the State and Federal level, ranging from simple traffic infractions to complex murder cases. He can be reached at info@tullylegal.com or at (518) 556-2249.