Dutchess County to Participate in Statewide Fourth of July
STOP-DWI Enforcement Effort
Impaired Driving Crackdown runs June 30th through July 5th
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today police agencies across Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving from June 30th to July 5th. The New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate and 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. According to data from National Highway Traffic Safety Board, over the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2015, 146 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Ninety-two people died in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Between parades, barbecues and other celebrations, Dutchess County is a great place in which to celebrate our nation’s independence. If you choose to celebrate, please do so responsibly and don’t drive if you are impaired. Local law enforcement agencies will again partner to keep our roadways safe for all motorists. The decisions you make on the roads can save lives. Please choose not to drink and drive.”
The July 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.
Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. Johnson said, “Additional funding from the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation will allow enhanced dedicated patrols and coordinated sobriety checkpoints countywide throughout the crackdown period. Please think twice before you get behind the wheel impaired. If you choose to drive impaired in Dutchess County, you will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted.”
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.
