Dutchess County to Participate in Statewide
STOP-DWI Fourth of July Crackdown
Impaired driving crackdown runs July 4th through July 8th
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced Dutchess County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving, beginning on Wednesday, July 4th and ending on Sunday, July 8th. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to aggressively target those who put lives in danger.
The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, heavy traveling is expected to begin on the weekend of June 30th and run through July 8th.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County offers residents many ways to celebrate our country’s independence – from parades to barbecues – but if you choose to celebrate, please do so responsibly. Do not drive if you’re impaired. We thank local law enforcement agencies for again partnering to keep our roads safe for all drivers. Their tireless work during this crackdown will save lives. Motorists can do the save my choosing not to drive and drive.”
Americans enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks; all too often, however, the festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads, as this iconic holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes.
Research shows high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.
The Fourth Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national holiday season in December.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
You can help to make a difference by having a sober plan! Download the mobile “Have a Plan” app, and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.
