Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, District Attorney David Hoovler, and STOP-DWI Coordinator Craig W. Cherry announced today drivers that police will be cracking down on impaired drivers in Orange County. The Orange County Stop-DWI program is providing funding to police agencies throughout the County to provide for police sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols to help ensure that our roadways will be safe throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
“Many people will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family,” Neuhaus said. “If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver ahead of time or call a taxi. There’s never an excuse for drinking and driving. Our Sheriff and local police will be vigilant about keeping our roads safe during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.”
Added DuBois: “I encourage everyone to exercise sound judgment and think about your personal safety and the safety of others during the St. Patrick’s Day parade season. Don’t become or cause another statistic attributed to driving while intoxicated. Have fun, but if you think you’ve had too much to drink, don’t take a chance.”
The STOP-DWI Program recommends the following steps to prevent tragedies and enjoy a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day. If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day event where alcohol will be served:
• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against a drunk driver.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police. You could save a life.
“Every year drinking and driving causes fatalities and injuries which devastate the lives of innocent victims and their families,” Hoovler said. “Don’t let one moment in time change your life and the lives of others forever. If you are going to be drinking, arrange for safe transportation. If you are caught driving while intoxicated, the price you will pay by facing imprisonment, paying to defend against criminal charges, and potentially knowing that you killed or injured others is simply not worth it.”
Added Cherry: “No matter how you plan to get home, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. You alone hold responsibility. When driving, use common sense and have a plan, don’t ever take the wheel if you have been drinking.”
The STOP-DWI crackdown is comprised of several initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation. These efforts are supported with funding from both the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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