Staten Island DWI Arrest Highlights Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Safety Crackdown

A Staten Island man’s arrest for driving while intoxicated following a multi-vehicle crash on the Staten Island Expressway has become emblematic of New York State’s intensified Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts. The incident, which occurred on May 24, 2025, underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating impaired driving during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

Background & Context

Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer and represents one of the most dangerous periods on American roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide traffic fatalities decreased to 39,345 in 2024, representing a 3.8% decline from 2023. However, alcohol-related crashes remain a persistent threat, with the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany reporting that 236 people were killed and 3,453 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in New York State during 2023.

The timing of impaired driving incidents during holiday weekends is particularly concerning. National statistics show that during the 2023 Memorial Day period, 39% of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver, significantly higher than the annual average of 30%.

Recent Developments

The Staten Island Incident

On May 24, 2025, New York State Police Troopers from Troop NYC, SP Staten Island, and SP Rockaways responded to a two-vehicle accident that blocked several westbound lanes of the Staten Island Expressway near Exit 5, 440. The investigation revealed that Yehia Kozmol, 31, of Staten Island, was operating a black Jeep Grand Cherokee while above the legal blood alcohol limit.

Kozmol was charged with three violations under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law:

• VTL 1192.1 Driving While Ability Impaired
• VTL 1192.2 Driving While Intoxicated (per se)
• VTL 1192.3 Driving While Intoxicated

Following his arrest, Kozmol was transported to the NYPD’s 120th Precinct for processing and booking, where he awaits arraignment.

Statewide Enforcement Initiative

The arrest occurred during a coordinated statewide enforcement campaign announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The special enforcement period, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, and continued through 11:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the importance of road safety during the holiday weekend, stating: “For many New Yorkers, Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season, which means additional traffic and increased risks on our roadways. As we take time to honor those who died in service to our country, we encourage all motorists to make safety their number one priority.”

Enhanced Enforcement Tactics

Law enforcement agencies deployed multiple strategies during the Memorial Day weekend crackdown:

Sobriety Checkpoints: Police established checkpoints throughout the state to identify impaired drivers before they could cause accidents.

Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) Vehicles: These unmarked vehicles blend with regular traffic but become unmistakable as emergency vehicles once their lights are activated, allowing officers to more effectively observe violations.

Increased Patrols: Both marked and unmarked vehicles increased their presence on highways and local roads.

Analysis & Perspectives

Historical Performance Data

The effectiveness of Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts can be measured against previous years’ statistics. During Memorial Day weekend 2024, New York State Troopers achieved significant results:

• 225 people arrested for impaired driving
• 10,949 tickets issued
• 239 crashes investigated
• Zero fatalities reported

These numbers represent both the scale of the enforcement effort and the ongoing challenge of impaired driving. The fact that 225 arrests were made during a single weekend demonstrates the prevalence of the problem, while the zero fatalities suggest that enforcement efforts may be having a deterrent effect.

Expert Perspectives on Enforcement Effectiveness

Traffic safety experts generally support intensive enforcement campaigns during high-risk periods. The multi-agency approach employed in New York, involving state police, county sheriffs, and local law enforcement, maximizes coverage and resource utilization.

New York State Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattrone emphasized the importance of planning ahead: “There are times when people are not able to drive after their picnics, parties, and events. Don’t put yourself or others in danger…have a plan to not drive impaired.”

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President Shawn Heubusch noted that “increased enforcement during this high-traffic holiday period helps prevent impaired driving, reduces crashes, and ultimately saves lives.”

Technology and Prevention Tools

New York State has invested in technology solutions to complement enforcement efforts. The “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones, enables users to:

• Locate and call taxi services
• Program designated driver lists
• Access information on DWI laws and penalties
• Report suspected impaired drivers

Economic and Social Impact

The enforcement campaign extends beyond immediate safety concerns to address broader economic and social impacts. Construction-related lane closures on state highways were suspended during the holiday weekend to reduce traffic congestion and minimize travel delays, demonstrating the comprehensive approach to holiday weekend safety.

The Staten Island DWI arrest serves as a stark reminder that despite extensive enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains a persistent threat to public safety. While New York State’s comprehensive Memorial Day weekend enforcement strategy demonstrates a commitment to reducing traffic fatalities, the arrest of 225 individuals for impaired driving during the 2024 holiday weekend indicates that more work remains to be done.

The multi-faceted approach combining increased enforcement, technology solutions, and public education represents current best practices in traffic safety. However, the ultimate solution requires individual responsibility and community commitment to preventing impaired driving. As summer travel season begins, the lessons from Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts will likely inform ongoing traffic safety strategies throughout the year.

Future developments may include expanded use of technology, enhanced coordination between agencies, and continued public education efforts to reduce the incidence of impaired driving during high-risk periods.