ss County to Participate in Statewide STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Enforcement Effort

Dutchess County to Participate in Statewide STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Enforcement Effort

Impaired driving crackdown runs Nov. 23rd-27th

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today police agencies throughout Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving to coincide with the national Thanksgiving holiday. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Enforcement Campaign effort starts on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd and will end on Sunday, Nov. 27th.

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 reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths during this period.

The Thanksgiving holiday period is among the most active on U.S. roadways, with the American Automobile Association estimating some 55 million motorists traveled for the holiday in 2019, the vast majority of whom drove to their destination. According to the National Safety Council, 29 percent of driving fatalities during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Thanksgiving unites loved ones from across the miles to celebrate all our blessings as Americans. While many of these joyous gatherings may include alcohol, it’s incumbent on those imbibing to plan a safe ride home – both for their own safety and the safety of those with whom they share the road. There is no excuse for impaired driving, and as they do every day, the dedicated men and women of law enforcement will purge local roadways of inebriated motorists during the Thanksgiving weekend.”

The Thanksgiving Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Super Bowl Sunday, Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day weekend, Halloween and 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. Residents can make a difference with a sober plan by downloading the “Have a Plan” mobile app.

Author: Harlem Valley News