July 4th Crackdown On Impaired Drivers To Start

New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions during the 4th of July holiday.

The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year the 4th falls on a Saturday so we expect heavy traveling to begin on Friday and festivities to run through July 6, said Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr, Town of Carmel Police Department Chief Michael Cazzari and Town of Kent Police Department Chief Kevin Owens.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

Last year, the New York State police issued nearly 13,410 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested 249 people for DWI and investigated 187 crashes, which resulted in two fatalities.

The New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to aggressively target those who put lives in danger.

The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December. While STOP-DWI efforts across New York 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, they said.

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” — and you will always be able to find a safe ride home.