Drunk driving crackdown

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » Police agencies across Madison County are stepping up to crackdown on impaired driving.

The New York State Police, Madison 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 Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. The Madison County Sheriff’ s Office expects heavy travelling and festivities that run through the weekend.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads. The fact is this iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due

to drunk-driving crashes.

High-visibility enforcement can reduce drunk driving fatalities and sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. The Fourth Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. 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 im- paired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

People can help make a difference by having a sober plan. Those interested can download the mobile app “Have a Plan” and be able to find a safe ride home.

People can help make a difference by having a sober plan. Those interested can download the mobile app “HaveaPlan” andbe able to finda safe ride home.