ALBANY, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – The New York State Police are cracking down on drunk driving during Super Bowl weekend, announced Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli.

This weekend’s STOP-DWI campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, will include increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the state.

Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and undercover vehicles as part of the operation.

According to state police, an impaired driving conviction carries a maximum fine of $10,000, up to 7 years in prison, and a license revocation.

Nigrelli says, “Make the winning decision on Super Bowl weekend and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Those celebrating the big game this weekend should do so safely-game plan ahead or drive sober. Safety is our top priority, and we will be increasing patrols and expanding sobriety checkpoints to identify drunk and impaired drivers and to help prevent senseless tragedies. The message is simple, don’t drink and drive!”

Designate a sober driver or use rideshare technology like Uber or Lyft.

If you are hosting, you’re the team captain! Designate a responsible driver now to help your guests get home safely:

  • Ask all of your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance or help them arrange ridesharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
  • Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter—this is a good time to serve coffee and dessert.
  • Sign up online for a ridesharing service or keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from any guests who are thinking of driving after drinking.
  • The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Droid and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.
  • Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable.
  • If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent or guardian can be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.

The initiative will run from today, February 10th, through Monday, February 13th.