Dutchess County to Participate in Statewide STOP-DWI
Holiday Season Crackdown Enforcement Effort
Impaired driving crackdown runs December 15th through January 1st
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today that Dutchess County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI crackdown efforts start on December 15th and will end on January 1st, 2018.
New York State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force. The holiday season is historically a time when crashes involving alcohol increase. While many will spend this holiday season celebrating with friends and family, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.
County Executive Molinaro said, “As we celebrate the season and look toward the promise of a new year, please do so responsibly; even one alcoholic drink is too many for you to drive. The decision to drive impaired can permanently alter your life, that of your friends or family, or innocent motorists with whom you share the road. We thank the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers throughout Dutchess County for maintaining the safety of our roads for all drivers.”
Though STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to a significant reduction in the number of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost due to crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.
In December 2016, impaired driving crashes resulted in 781 deaths nationwide; over a five-year span, that number totaled almost 4,000 unnecessary, tragic and preventable deaths. Officials encourage those who plan to celebrate the season to have a sober plan; there are many alternatives, including designating a sober driver and using public transportation.
Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. Johnson said, “It’s vital to plan for a safe ride home. If you can organize a holiday night out, or put together an outfit for a party than you can plan for a safe way home, too. No one intends to have their holiday celebrations end in tragedy. Simply don’t take the risk.”
The STOP-DWI Holiday Season Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association, with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation. The Foundation has created a Mobile App, “Have A Plan,” which is available as a free download for smart phone users to find safe rides home no matter where they may be celebrating. The app is available for iPhone and Android users at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp or their respective app store.
