Law enforcement will have increased DWI patrols next 3 weeks
Local law enforcement agencies will have increased DWI patrols beginning today until Jan. 1.
“December can be a dangerous time on our roadways due to the increase in holiday parties and festivities,” said Sheriff Randy Bower. “In an effort to keep our roadways safer during the holiday season, Orleans County law enforcement agencies are joining forces to stop drinking and driving during this holiday crackdown.”
The sheriff urges people who are drinking alcohol to have a plan for a safe way home. They can call for a ride from a friend, family member, taxi or Uber driver.
The county receives state STOP-DWI funding to help fund the increased patrols.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced today there will be a state-wide crackdown on impaired driving during the busy holiday travel season, from today through Jan. 1.
“We want New Yorkers to travel safely so they can celebrate the holidays with their friends and families,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am asking every driver to consider the danger they pose to themselves and others when they choose to drive impaired. There will be zero tolerance for impaired driving, and state and local law enforcement will be highly visible to ensure that every impaired driver is caught and held accountable.”
During the 2018 enforcement campaign, law enforcement throughout the state arrested 4,142 people for impaired driving and issued 144,197 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations.
A major component of New York’s efforts to combat impaired driving is the Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated. The state’s STOP-DWI program is the nation’s first self-sustaining impaired driving program. The program is funded from fines paid by convicted impaired drivers. Program coordinators are comprised of diverse professional backgrounds, including law enforcement and non-law enforcement.
The STOP-DWI program was created to empower counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. All 62 counties have opted to participate.
