Putnam Part Of Super Bowl Weekend Crackdown

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr., Town of Carmel Police Department Chief Michael Cazzari and Kent Police Department Chief Kevin Owens announced Friday that law enforcement in Putnam County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving. It's centered around the weekend of Super Bowl entertainment.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts started Friday and will end on Monday.

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event and Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving, Langley said.

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.

New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, designate a responsible driver before the game begins, police recommend. "We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. So root for your favorite team; enjoy your friends and family; and remember 'DON’T DRIVE, GET A RIDE!'"

The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, 4 th of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.