Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving to coincide with the holiday season has begun. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign effort, which is now in effect, concludes on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, and one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. According to the NHTSA, 210 lives were lost nationwide in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the Christmas to New Year’s Day holiday period in 2019.
County Executive Molinaro said, “The holidays should bring about a joyous time for all, but sadly, impaired driving all too often ruins this season, needlessly taking lives and destroying families. If you plan to include alcohol in your holiday celebrations, please also plan for a ride home. There is no excuse for impaired driving: If you drive drunk, the dedicated men and women of law enforcement will remove you from our roadways.”
This Holiday Season Enforcement 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 Thanksgiving.
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.
