POUGHKEEPSIE ... Law-enforcement agencies across Dutchess County will take part in a high-visibility enforcement effort during Super Bowl weekend to prevent impaired driving, with increased patrols and checkpoints in place from Sunday, Feb. 8 through Monday, Feb. 9 to keep roads safe and dangerous drivers off local roads. This initiative is designed to protect all motorists during one of the year’s peak periods for social gatherings and travel.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County’s roads should be safe for everyone. We thank the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who work year-round to keep our neighbors safe. Make the winning play during Super Bowl weekend and plan for a safe ride home.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average nationally, three people will lose their lives to drunk driving just in the time it takes to watch a football game. Super Bowl weekend historically results in higher rates of alcohol-related driving risks, compared with a typical Sunday, due, in part, to increased social drinking and travel.
Studies show that highly visible community safety efforts can cut impaired-driving deaths by up to 20 percent, and sobriety checkpoints are an important way to bring attention to the issue. The Super Bowl enforcement effort is one of several high-profile campaigns led by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. Similar efforts also take place around Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and during the December holiday season.
While these initiatives have helped lower the number of alcohol- and drug-related crash deaths across New York, impaired driving continues to claim too many lives. Well publicized campaigns like STOP-DWI are designed to further reduce these dangerous and preventable crashes.
Drivers can do their part by planning ahead for a sober ride. The free “Have a Plan” mobile app helps users find safe transportation options and is available at stopdwi.org/mobileapp.
