Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be in place to deter drunk driving. Law enforcement agencies will also be cracking down on drivers who are impaired by drugs - both illegal and prescription.
According to Department of Motor Vehicle statistics, last year there were 8,633 alcohol-related crashes in New York state reported by police that resulted in 358 deaths and over 6,000 injured.
And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased nationwide by 4.6 percent in 2012. They accounted for almost one-third (31 percent) of overall fatalities.
On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano is adding patrols throughout the county in an effort to stop drunk drivers.
More than 80 people were arrested for drunk driving in Nassau County during the Thanksgiving holiday week last year.
"The night before Thanksgiving is typically one of the biggest bar nights of the year especially for our young people. Nassau County will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that often occur during such a holiday weekend," said Mangano. "Nassau County has added 500 additional hours of DWI patrols and our Probation Office is ensuring that 900 DWI offenders have interlock devices in their vehicles. "
