Dutchess Participating in Statewide
STOP-DWI Cinco de Mayo Enforcement Effort
Impaired Driving Enforcement runs through May 6th, 2016
Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County police agencies are participating in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving during the Cinco de Mayo holiday. The enforcement effort is in effect now through early morning on May 6th.
The Cinco de Mayo holiday period has become especially deadly on the nation’s roads, with more than one-third of all crash fatalities from 2010-2014 involving a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. In fact, from 2010-2014, there were 268 people killed in drunk-driving crashes over the Cinco de Mayo holiday period, with 33 people killed in 2014 alone.
New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies will be out in force across the board to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths during this holiday period.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro stated “We applaud and support the coordinated efforts of State, County, and local law enforcement to keep our roadways safe for all. The most important thing to remember is that it’s never okay to drive impaired. Once you’ve started drinking, your ability to decide whether you’re safe to drive has been compromised.”
According to Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William Johnson, the message is clear – enjoy the holiday with friends and family, but don’t make a decision that puts you or others at risk. “The best course of action is to Have a Planbefore you go out. The new, free STOP-DWI Have a Plan app for smart phones gives you the opportunity to find a safe ride home no matter where you are by clicking on the “Get a Ride” feature. It is certainly less expensive to pay for a ride than a DWI conviction and may save your life and the lives of innocent victims. So become part of the solution and download the free Have a Plan app today!”
