For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus, (845) 486-2000
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced police agencies throughout Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend, beginning Friday, January 31st and concluding Monday, February 3rd. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and municipal law enforcement agencies will join agencies across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to aggressively target those who put lives in danger.
County Executive Molinaro said, “The Super Bowl is a uniquely American event, bringing together family and friends to celebrate the culmination of the football season. Not only is the Super Bowl America’s most-watched national sporting event, it has also sadly become an historically dangerous day on our nation’s roadways, as impaired drivers place their lives and the lives of other fans in jeopardy. If you plan on attending a Super Bowl party, please designate a driver or arrange for a safe ride home. There is no excuse for impaired driving, and we thank the dedicated men and women of law enforcement whose work keeps our roadways safe – not just on Super Bowl Sunday, but every day.”
Research shows high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. Law enforcement agencies throughout Dutchess County and the state will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.
The Super Bowl 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.
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.
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.
