POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … Law-enforcement agencies around Dutchess County will once again take part in a coordinated enforcement initiative to crack down on impaired drivers during the busy Memorial Day weekend. The high-visibility campaign will run from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter impaired driving and protect pedestrians and other motorists.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Memorial Day weekend is a time to gather with family and friends, but safety always comes first. We urge everyone to make responsible choices so that every celebration is safe for all. Impaired driving is inexcusable. Please plan ahead, designate a driver or use a rideshare.”
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable crashes and fatalities. Nationwide, Memorial Day ranks as one of the most dangerous holidays for road travel. Through initiatives like this crackdown, Dutchess County continues its commitment to protecting public safety and reducing risks on local roads.
This Memorial Day Weekend engagement campaign is part of a broader series of enforcement efforts carried out by STOP-DWI New York, supported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Beyond Memorial Day, similar statewide campaigns are conducted around other high-traffic holidays and events, including Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the December holiday season.
Although STOP-DWI initiatives across New York have helped drive down the number of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, far too many lives are still lost due to impaired driving crashes. High-visibility, well-publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Community Engagement Campaign are designed to continue reducing these preventable incidents and keep communities safer.
Motorists can help keep roads safe by arranging a sober ride in advance. The free “Have a Plan” mobile app makes it easy to locate safe transportation options and can be downloaded at stopdwi.org/mobileapp.
