Impaired Driving Crackdown runs July 1 through 5
Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley announced today that Madison County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start July 1 and end July 5. The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year, the 4th of July weekend begins on a Friday, so we expect heavy travel to begin Thursday, June 30, and festivities to begin Friday, July 1, and run through Tuesday July 5.
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. According to data from NHTSA, during July 4th holiday period over the five years (from 2010 to 2014), 752 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or more. These fatalities account for 42 percent percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over this same five-year period. The New York State Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office 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 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.“This Fourth of July holiday, you can show your patriotism by helping to make Madison County roads
“This Fourth of July holiday, you can show your patriotism by helping to make Madison County roads safer for everyone,” said Sheriff Allen Riley. “Remember, drive sober or get pulled over. It’s as simple as that.”Law enforcement is not messing around this Independence Day: if
Law enforcement is not messing around this Independence Day: if you’re caught driving drunk, you will be arrested. And keep in mind that aside from putting your life and the lives of others at risk, driving impaired can also lead to serious consequences. A DUI arrest can mean time in jail, loss of your license, and steep financial expenses; the average DUI costs about $10,000.
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. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
The Sheriff recommends these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins; HAVE A PLAN
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement by
- dialing 911;
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.