The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee No Empty Chair…

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee No Empty Chair Campaign is a weeklong education and enforcement initiative created to keep young drivers safe. County, State, and Local Law Enforcement will increase their presence in the vicinity of local High Schools throughout and will be vigilant about violations of specific infractions throughout the week, while also enforcing all other vehicle and traffic laws.

Friday, April 29, 2022 - Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving

Driving while intoxicated is a crime. Your judgment, coordination, and ability to drive a vehicle change when you consume any amount of alcohol. The level of impairment depends on five conditions

1. The amount of alcohol you drink

2. The amount of food you eat before or while you drink alcohol

3. The length of time you drink alcohol

4. Your body weight

5. Your gender

There is no quick method to become sober. The best method is to wait until your body absorbs the alcohol. The average rate that your body processes alcohol is approximately one drink per hour.

Types of alcohol and drug-related violations in New York State

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

.08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher or other evidence of intoxication. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles: .04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication.

Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Aggravated DWI)

.18 BAC or higher

Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI/Alcohol)

More than .05 BAC but less than .07 BAC, or other evidence of impairment.

Driving While Ability Impaired by a Single Drug other than Alcohol (DWAI/Drug)

Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combined Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DWAI/Combination)

Chemical Test Refusal

A driver who refuses to take a chemical test (normally a test of breath, blood, or urine).

Zero Tolerance Law

A driver who is less than 21 years of age and who drives with a .02 BAC to .07 BAC violates the Zero Tolerance Law.