POLICE IN ROCKLAND COUNTY INCREASE HOLIDAY WEEKEND DWI ENFORCEMENT

Statewide Impaired Driving Crackdown Runs Through Monday, July 7th

NEW CITY, NY  --  County Executive Day today announced that police agencies from across Rockland will take part in an aggressive statewide holiday weekend crackdown on impaired driving.

"The Independence Day weekend is a time for family and friends to come together, not a time to be torn apart by a preventable crash," says County Executive Day. "Please make safe decisions behind the wheel to avoid a tragedy."

The enhanced patrols start today and run through Monday, July 7th.  Officers in Rockland, Westchester, Orange and Putnam counties will be on the lookout for drivers who are distracted by electronic devices or impaired by drugs or alcohol. The extended July Fourth weekend is traditionally one of the deadliest periods for impaired driving.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 10,322 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2012, representing a third of all crash fatalities. The New York State Police, the Rockland County Sheriff's Department and municipal law enforcement agencies will be out in force to aggressively target those who put lives in danger.

"There is no doubt that increased enforcement by our local police departments will help save lives this weekend," said Stony Point Police Chief and Police Chiefs Association of Rockland County President Brian Moore. "But the public must also do its part to help make sure all travelers have a safe summer. Plan ahead. Designate a non-drinking driver or find alternative transportation if you plan to drink."

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 intoxicated, drugged or distracted drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like this weekend's crackdown campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.