The Register-Star is reporting the New York State Police has announced troopers issued more than 17,000 tickets across the state in the days leading up to the St. Patrick's Day holiday. More than 250 people were arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated between Sat., Mar. 12 and Thu., Mar. 17. State police issued 6,422 tickets for speeding, 627 for distracted driving and 503 for seat belt violations during that same period. The campaign was funded by the governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. That committee uses federal highway safety grant funds to encourage and enforce traffic safety.