East Hudson Valley News

Various police agencies in Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving to coincide with the national Memorial Day holiday. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign starts on Friday, May 24, and will end on Monday, May 27.

Municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will collaborate and be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths during this period. Nationwide, Memorial Day is the second-deadliest holiday for drivers and passengers on U.S. roadways.

County Executive Sue Serino said, “Designating a driver isn't just about personal safety – it's a commitment to protect everyone on the road and foster a responsible community. It's a simple act that saves lives, prevents tragedies and ensures that every journey ends safely. If you include alcohol in your Memorial Day weekend, please also designate a driver for a safe ride home.”

The Memorial Day Weekend Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. In addition to this crackdown, statewide STOP-DWI engagement campaigns also target Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, July 4th, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the holiday season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, too many lives are still being lost due to crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Community Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce these incidents.

Drivers can help make a difference by having a sober plan. Motorists can download the mobile app “Have a Plan” to find a safe ride home at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.