STOP-DWI Crackdown Enforcement for Independence Day Weekend
Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County STOP-DWI Program has announced police agencies across Dutchess County will participate in a special statewide enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving throughout the Independence Day holiday weekend. In an ongoing collaborative effort the New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff and local municipal law enforcement agencies will be out in force in this coordinated effort to aggressively target those who put lives in danger. The holiday enforcement period begins July 3rd and ends on July 6th.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “This enforcement effort is a reminder to all motorists to take precautions and avoid impaired driving at all costs. The coordinated campaign aims to reduce the numbers of impaired driving crashes, injuries and fatalities. Don’t let a memorable holiday weekend celebrating our nation’s independence turn into a tragic life-changing event.”
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the July 4th holiday period from 2009 to 2013, 750 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more. These fatalities account for 39% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over the same five-year period.
“The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest on the highway. This is a preventable situation, and folks have to be a little more concerned about it,” said Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. Johnson.
Earlier this week, County Executive Molinaro attended a demonstration at the New York State Police Troop K barrack, where troopers announced the crackdown and illustrated the effect of alcohol on motorists. Troopers administered field sobriety tests to a volunteer, who had been drinking and reached a .16 BAC, and a sober volunteer for spectators to see the difference. Spectators then donned goggles that distorted their vision and simulated varying BACs, including .15, and attempted to maneuver a golf car through a series of turns, demonstrating how alcohol impairs a motorist’s ability to 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.
“This coordinated highly visible enforcement campaign, which will include multi-agency sobriety checkpoints and roving saturation patrols, is aimed at increasing public awareness and sending a strong message countywide, that from Millerton to Beacon, Red Hook to East Fishkill, law enforcement will be out in force seeking to identify and apprehend drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol,” said Mr. Johnson.
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.
