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Dutchess Police Will Ramp Up DWI Patrols Over Memorial Day Weekend

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- In an effort to make sure that the thousands of Memorial Day travelers arrive at their destinations alive, Dutchess County police agencies will participate in a special STOP-DWI effort to crackdown on impaired driving. 

Dutchess County law enforcement agencies will be out in force over the Memorial Day weekend.

Dutchess County law enforcement agencies will be out in force over the Memorial Day weekend.

Photo Credit: Rockland County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

The statewide STOP-DWI crackdowns begin Friday and run through Tuesday, May 30.

Memorial Day week is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. Memorial Day weekend is the traditional beginning of summer, and there will also be countless parties and barbecues to celebrate graduations, proms, and more. This combination of factors equates to more people on the road in general and more people specifically driving impaired, with 13 percent more fatalities than on a non-holiday weekend, officials said.

“Dutchess County offers countless recreational opportunities during the summer, but we must ensure our roadways are safe for families, residents and visitors. Impaired driving will not be tolerated in our community," said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. "We thank our local law enforcement agencies and officers for partnering with us to enforce our laws and keep our roads safe. I ask motorists not to drink and drive; save a life.”

The New York State Police, County Sheriff, and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths during this period.

Dutchess County STOP-DWI Coordinator William C. Johnson said, “Law enforcement agencies throughout Dutchess County have successfully taken numerous impaired drivers off the roads in similar crackdowns. Our top priority is the safety of all motorists, and anyone who jeopardizes another driver’s life by operating a vehicle while impaired will be stopped.”

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