State Police in St. Lawrence County are participating in a national impaired-driving crackdown called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” now through New Years Day.

More than 20,000 police agencies nationwide are expected to participate in the crackdown, which started Friday.

State police are planning 30 sobriety checkpoints, 10 saturation details, 18 details focusing on underage drinking and unlawful sale to minors, and 41 additional dedicated local DWI patrols, according to Major Richard C. Smith Jr., Troop B Commander.

Saturation details consist of roving units that target a specific area. The effort is supported largely through grants from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, aimed at preventing tragedies during the holiday season.

“The holiday season is all about the joy of families and friends, but each year the season turns to sorrows for some as a result of traffic crashes resulting from drinking and driving,” said Joseph D’Amico, state police superintendent. “ We are starting our enforcement this weekend with full knowledge there will be numerous office parties and other gatherings in the coming weeks where alcohol may be consumed, and we are asking everyone who drinks to designate a driver or arrange safe transportation in advance to secure the happiness of the season for your loved ones.”

“Troop B has dedicated additional Troopers to focused DWI patrol during the holiday period, stationary roadblocks on area roadways and additional members who will visit licensed premises to ensure that sales of alcohol are compliant with the state’s age requirements,” Maj. Smith said.

During last year’s holiday enforcement effort, troopers made 526 arrests for DWI, and issued a total of 35,496 tickets.