POUGHKEEPSIE … Law-enforcement agencies throughout Dutchess County will participate in a coordinated enforcement campaign over the Independence Day holiday weekend aimed at reducing impaired driving. The initiative, part of New York State’s STOP-DWI High-Visibility Engagement Campaign, will run from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5. During this period, agencies will increase patrols and enforcement activities to help prevent alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “As we gather to celebrate Independence Day, we must also keep in mind the safety of everyone sharing our roads. Anyone planning to consume alcohol this weekend should arrange transportation in advance. A single poor decision can have devastating and lasting consequences.”
Nationwide, the Fourth of July holiday period consistently ranks among the most dangerous times of the year for motorists. In 2024, there were 579 people killed nationwide in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The July 4 enforcement effort is one of several annual statewide initiatives coordinated by the New York State STOP-DWI Association and funded through the STOP-DWI Foundation with support from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Similar high-visibility enforcement campaigns take place throughout the year during periods associated with increased impaired-driving risk, including Super Bowl weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season.
While New York’s STOP-DWI programs have contributed to significant reductions in alcohol- and drug-impaired driving fatalities, preventable crashes continue to claim lives. Public awareness and enforcement campaigns such as this one seek to further discourage impaired driving by increasing law enforcement visibility and community outreach.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before celebrating. The “Have a Plan” mobile app provides resources to help individuals arrange a safe ride home and can be accessed through the STOP-DWI website, stopdwi.org.
