BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police will be bumping up patrols on the 4th of July to prevent DWI's.
"Extra patrols, extra DWI checkpoints, and things like that" New York State Trooper James O'Callaghan said.
The dangers of drunk driving is increased on Independence Day due to the fact that so many people are outside walking around. More so than a normal summer night.
"We're going to have a lot of people out tonight at different venues" Trooper O'Callaghan said.
In addition to drunk driving, NYS Troopers are watching out for illegal fireworks, which would lead to more than just a slap on the wrist.
"The fines are pretty high," Trooper O'Callaghan said, "it's a penal law arrest so you're looking at a misdemeanor arrest. It's not just a civil fine, I know people have that in the back of their head, it's a legitimate arrest."
Best advice is to stay with the New York State legal fireworks, ones that still need to be respected for the damage they can cause.
"A sparkler still burns at 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you give that to a young kid, waving that around and they happen to catch the face of a young kid," O'Callaghan continued," it will leave a scar or melt the face with third degree burns."
