Dutchess County Participating in Statewide STOP-DWI St. Patrick’s Day Crackdown Enforcement Effort
Impaired Driving Crackdown this weekend

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro reminds residents and visitors that law enforcement agencies countywide will be part of a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts begin today (March 15th) and will continue through Monday March 18th. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force in this across the board, zero tolerance effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.

Police agencies throughout Dutchess County will be stepping up enforcement efforts to protect the public from drivers who choose to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. From Millerton and Red Hook, to East Fishkill and Beacon, county wide law enforcement will be out in force to identify and apprehend impaired drivers.

“This is an excellent example of state, county, and local law enforcement working collaboratively” said County Executive Molinaro. This coordinated enforcement effort is administered by the Dutchess County STOP-DWI program through grant funding awarded from the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation. “If your going to be celebrating over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend simply plan ahead, designate a driver, give them your keys, and don’t leave it to luck,” added Molinaro.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, too many lives are still 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.

“Enforcement details will include coordinated saturation patrols with an increased number of drug recognition experts assigned to assist in the identification and apprehension of those impaired by drugs other than alcohol. If you are caught driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” said Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. Johnson.

The STOP-DWI St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association.

Motorists who encounter what they suspect is an impaired driver, should call 911 with a description of the vehicle, location and direction of travel.