Poughkeepsie… Various police agencies in Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving to coincide with the national Memorial Day holiday. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign effort starts on Friday, May 24th and will end on Monday, May 27th.
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. Nationwide, Memorial Day is the second-deadliest holiday for drivers and passengers on U.S. roadways.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Designating a driver isn't just about personal safety – it's a commitment to protect everyone on the road and foster a responsible community. It's a simple act that saves lives, prevents tragedies and ensures that every journey ends safely. If you include alcohol in your Memorial Day weekend, please also designate a driver for a safe ride home.”
The Memorial Day Weekend 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. In addition to this crackdown, statewide STOP-DWI engagement campaigns also target Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, July 4th, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 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 High Visibility Community Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
Drivers can help to make a difference by having a sober plan! Motorists can download the mobile app, “Have a Plan,” and be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.
