Law enforcement will have increased DWI patrols next 2 weeks

In an effort to keep our roadways safer during the this holiday season, Orleans County law enforcement agencies are joining forces in a zealous effort to stop drinking and driving during the a holiday season crackdown from today through Jan. 1, 2021, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

During this national initiative, law enforcement presence will be at its peak to remind drivers to have a plan for a sober driver while traveling.

Although STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol related fatalities, there are still too many lives lost due to DWI crashes, Bourke said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced the start of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign for the next two weeks. There were more than 159,000 vehicle and traffic law violation tickets issued during last year’s enforcement campaign in the state, including 5,677 arrests for DWI.

“New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving,” Cuomo said. “Motorists who drive under the influence not only put themselves at risk, but endanger the lives of everyone else. Be safe and smart this holiday season, whether you’re on the road or not. If you must travel, drive sober or have a plan in place to get where you’re going safely.”