Cops Launch Summer DWI Offensive

Police from the Queens Highway Patrol Unit and Borough Task Force hit the streets last weekend in the kickoff of a New York Police Department crackdown on drunk driving.

The offensive dubbed, "Operation Cold Sober", targets motorists who get behind the wheel after a night out at local clubs and taverns, police said. The crackdown put a significant number of officers on the street after the 4 a.m. closing time of most Queens bars and nightclubs on the lookout for drunk drivers. The crackdown authorizes overtime for Highway Patrol and Borough Task Force cops who are trained to identify drunk drivers and administer Breathalyzer tests, sources said.

Police officials said approval for extended hours is necessary to catch drunk drivers in the early morning hours, when they are finished partying for the night. Cops assigned to both specialized units are trained to identify drunk drivers by observing a motorists' demeanor, how he or she is handling a vehicle and by engaging in conversation with the motorist to determine motor skills and if he or she is slurring their words, police sources said.

Operation Cold Sober is expected to continue on weekends and holidays throughout the summer.

- Liz Goff