Dutchess County Participating in Statewide STOP-DWI Fourth of July Crackdown Enforcement Effort
Impaired Driving Crackdown runs July 3rd – July 7th, 2014

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County STOP DWI Program has announced police agencies across Dutchess County will participate in a special statewide enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving. The New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff and local 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 holiday enforcement period begins July 3rd and ends on July 7th.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. 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.”

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 10,322 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2012—representing a third of all crash fatalities. The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year, the 4th of July falls on a Friday, so heavy traveling is expected to begin on Wednesday July 2nd with festivities beginning Thursday July 3rd and running through Tuesday July 7th.

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 highly visible enforcement campaign is aimed at increasing public awareness and sending a strong message county wide, 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 Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. 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.