(Wampsville, NY- Jan. 29, 2013) Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley announced that Madison County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Feb. 1 and will end on Feb. 4.
Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriff’s and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.
“Whether you are meeting a few friends at a local establishment to watch the game, or attending any of the many game day activities that will be taking place, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired,” said Sheriff Riley.
The STOP-DWI Super Bowl 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 St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December. These efforts are supported with funding from both the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute.
“Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Riley. “Not only do you risk killing or injuring yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.”
Sheriff Riley and Madison County STOP DWI Coordinator Stephen Goodfriend recommend the following easy steps to make the big game, or any day, safe:
* Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
* If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
* If you happen to see or suspect a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement by dialing 911;
*And remember, 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.
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