Celebrate the Holidays Safely

New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County STOP-DWI & Traffic Safety Coordinator Dan Weisberg remind residents to celebrate safely this holiday season. This year the holiday season is unlike any other as the focus is on the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while holiday travel and gatherings may be curtailed, we must be ever cognizant of the dangers associated with driving while one’s ability is impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State will be out on the roads. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts are timed to coincide with holidays and special events throughout the year that traditionally show an increase in traffic accidents and aim to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by impaired drivers. Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

“The STOP-DWI program crystallizes a strong law enforcement effort to impact upon this crime,” said County Executive Day. “The numbers of arrests show that despite our best efforts the scourge of drinking and driving is not going away. I urge residents to designate a driver, take a cab or use a ride hailing app like Uber or Lyft. Drunk driving deaths are 100 percent preventable there is no excuse for this behavior.”

The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year, the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target the national Holiday Season in December.

Rockland County STOP-DWI & Traffic Safety Coordinator Dan Weisberg said, “We urge people to ‘Have a Plan’ and to make other arrangements to get home safely. Plan in advance, because once you are impaired it is too late to figure things out. There are many options for getting home safely, and all our residents are urged to choose wisely. Under no circumstances should you get behind the wheel of a car while impaired. It is not worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk.”

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

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