East Hudson Valley News

Various police agencies throughout Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to address impaired driving during the national Independence Day holiday. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins on Wednesday, July 3rd and runs through Sunday, July 7th.

Municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state in this coordinated effort to reduce alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

County Executive Sue Serino emphasized the importance of safety: “Drinking affects coordination, concentration and quick decision-making – all of which we need behind the wheel. If you’re driving this holiday weekend, please choose safety above all else and plan for a safe ride home if you plan to drink. We appreciate our dedicated police officers who tirelessly work to keep Dutchess County roads safe.”

Nationwide, July 4th is one of the deadliest holidays for drivers and passengers on U.S. roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2017 and 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period; 38 percent of those motorists killed were intoxicated.

The July 4th Weekend Engagement Campaign is part of several 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. Other targeted periods include Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holiday season.

Despite significant reductions in alcohol- and drug-related fatalities due to STOP-DWI efforts across New York, many lives continue to be lost due to crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible campaigns like this aim to further reduce such incidents.

Drivers are encouraged to 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.