DWI crackdown Dec. 13 – Jan. 1

WATERTOWN, NY (news release) — While we spend this Holiday Season celebrating with friends and family and looking forward to the blessings of a New Year. The law enforcement community across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on December 13th and will end on January 1st.

New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force. This includes the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Watertown City Police, and New York State Park Police Thousand Islands Region.

While STOP-DWI efforts across the country 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.

This holiday season, Have a SOBER Plan. There are many alternatives: Designate a SOBER driver, use public transportation, stay where you are, but absolutely, DON’T DRIVE. GET A RIDE! Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

“All we ask is that you have a safe holiday season, by taking responsible steps to ensure that you get home safe and sound following your celebrations.” States Rick C. Barrisford, Jefferson County STOP-DWI Coordinator.

The STOP-DWI Holiday Season Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation.

In addition, the Foundation has created the Mobile App – “Have A Plan” that is available as a free download for smart phones to help find safe rides home no matter where you may be celebrating.

Many thanks to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their support of this
new technology. Go to www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp or visit your app store.