ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, Governor Kathy Hochul is making sure everyone gets home safe, thanks to State and local police.

The governor announced on Thursday, March 16 an increase in State and local police patrols, which will be funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. These will run from Friday, March 17 to Sunday, March 19. Last year, patrols across New York State arrested 381 people for DWI and issued almost 27,000 tickets during the crackdown.

Drivers across the state can expect to see more DWI patrols and sobriety checkpoints over the weekend. State police will also be ticketing distracted drivers, as well as conducting checks at stores to target underage drinking and unlawful selling of alcohol to minors.

Charges of impaired driving carry with it fines of up to $10,000.

The state also reminded drivers of the Stop-DWI Foundation’s “Have a Plan” mobile app, which enables New Yorkers to locate and contact taxi services and put together a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws, and ways to report suspected impaired drivers.