Media Advisory: Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and Upstate University Hospital Raise Awareness of Annual Thanksgiving “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” Enforcement Campaign

Syracuse, NY - The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and Upstate University Hospital team up to raise awareness of the annual Thanksgiving “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign. Law enforcement officers will be increasing patrols and targeting impaired and reckless driving from November 22 – 30, 2025. The holiday travel season is one of the deadliest periods on the roadways, with the National Safety Council estimating that the Thanksgiving holiday period could see 439 traffic fatalities, nationwide.

When: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
            11:00 AM

Where: Upstate University Hospital 
             Performance Center, 11th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital 
             750 E Adams St.
             Syracuse, NY 13210

Who:   Mary Tanner-Richter, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles  
            Dr. Anna Wu, Trauma Surgeon, Upstate University Hospital
            Anthony Scalise III, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, Upstate University Hospital
            Betsy Parmley, I-81 Viaduct Project Manager, NYS DOT
            Mark Rusin, Deputy Chief, Syracuse Police Department