Officials Announce Holiday Stop-DWI Enforcement Crackdown

ALBANY, NY (11/20/2008)(readMedia)-- Commissioner David J. Swarts of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC); Harry J. Corbitt, Superintendent of the State Police; John P. Grebert, Executive Director of the State Association of Chiefs of Police; Peter R. Kehoe, Executive Director of the State Sheriffs' Association; and James May, Chairman of the New York State STOP-DWI Association, today announced the latest statewide holiday STOP-DWI enforcement crackdown. The crackdown coincides with the holiday period from November 21, 2008 to January 1, 2009 and is the last of the six heightened enforcement periods throughout the year.

During the enforcement wave, law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be out in force, utilizing sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and ensure the safety of our roadways. Motorists are reminded that driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher will put them over the limit and under arrest. Drivers should further note that operating a vehicle with a BAC of more than 0.05 is driving while ability impaired.

The last major crackdown was during the Labor Day holiday weekend. During that effort, which lasted 18 days, there were 2,751 arrests for motorists allegedly operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The enforcement period also resulted in 78,219 other Vehicle and Traffic Law citations being issued including improper passenger restraint, speed, aggressive driving and unlicensed operation, among others.

"The holidays are a time of celebration and memorable moments with family and friends and should not be overshadowed by a needless tragedy because of someone choosing to drink and drive," Commissioner Swarts said. "Far too many times we learn of families torn apart because an intoxicated person recklessly didn't think about their safety or that of others. This holiday season motorists are reminded that drinking and driving is simply not an option."

The Commissioner also announced that the enforcement period will be complemented by television and radio commercials regarding drinking and driving with the tag line, "Drinking and Driving, Not An Option." The public service announcements depict a young couple leaving a holiday get-together, then driving to pick up their child from the grandmother's home, and ends with the viewer witnessing the consequence of the driver's choice to drive while impaired.

Statistics show that impaired driving-related fatalities impact many people each and every year. In fact, in 2007 there were 373 impaired driving fatalities, representing more than 28 percent of all fatalities in New York State. Nationwide, it is estimated that more than 17,600 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes - an average of one every 40 minutes. This campaign is designed to remind drivers that consumption of any amount of alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel is a bad idea.

State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt said, "The holidays should be a time of joy for children and families, but can quickly become a time of grief and sorrowful memories when holiday travel results in tragedy. The State Police will increase its deployment complement, working with county and local agencies statewide. Removing drunk drivers from our roads will be a top priority. The public can expect to see checkpoints and encounter saturation patrols designed to prevent crashes, injuries and loss of life."

John P. Grebert, Executive Director of the State Association of Chiefs of Police said, "The holidays are a time when thousands of motorists will travel our highways with plans to celebrate and share good times with families and friends. Efforts of law enforcement will improve safety on our highways and ultimately save lives during this holiday enforcement crackdown. Don't let an unplanned 'Silent Night' be a part of your holidays. Don't Drink and Drive."

Peter R. Kehoe, Director of the New York State Sheriffs' Association said, "The holidays are a time for family get-togethers, office parties and house warming with friends and neighbors. Unfortunately for some, excessive consumption leads to impaired driving and its tragic results. Motorists are reminded that deputy sheriffs across the state will be out in force to ensure drunk drivers do not ruin holiday memories."

James May, Chairman of the New York State STOP-DWI Association said, "County STOP-DWI programs are gearing up for the holiday season to ensure that this time of the year is filled with joy and happiness. STOP-DWI coordinators across New York State are working with state and local police to make sure the roadways are safe for everyone. STOP-DWI coordinators hope that the STOP-DWI holiday crackdown serves to remind all motorists not to drink and drive."

STOP-DWI stands for "Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated." The STOP-DWI program was enacted for the purpose of coordinating local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related crashes in a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining highway safety program. The STOP-DWI program permits each of the state's counties to establish a STOP-DWI program that qualifies for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses occurring within its jurisdiction.

All 62 counties have opted to participate. Each county appoints a STOP-DWI coordinator, whose duties include the coordination of efforts by agencies involved in prevention of alcohol and drug impaired driving and highway safety. Although the development and implementation of STOP-DWI programs rests with the counties, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of GTSC is charged with the task of approving county STOP-DWI plans.

For more information on driving safety and to view the new commercials for both television and radio please visit, www.safeNY.com or www.nysdmv.com.

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