July 4th Weekend Impaired Driving Crackdown

High-visibility enforcement campaign runs July 3-6th

Drivers can help to make a difference by having a sober plan! Motorists can download the mobile app, “Have a Plan,” and be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.

Various law enforcement agencies in Dutchess County will take part in a targeted initiative to reduce impaired driving during the Independence Day holiday weekend, part of a statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign, from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6. Local police departments across New York State will work together and increase their presence as part of a unified campaign aimed at preventing alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities during this time.

Across the country, the Fourth of July ranks as the second-most dangerous holiday for drivers and passengers. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that from 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic crash fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period; in 2023 alone, 617 drivers lost their lives in traffic crashes during the holiday period.

The July 4th Weekend enforcement campaign is part of a broader series of enforcement efforts organized by the New York State STOP-DWI Association, supported by the STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. In addition to this upcoming initiative, similar statewide campaigns are held during other high-risk times of the year, including Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season.

Although STOP-DWI programs throughout New York have helped decrease the number of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving deaths, too many lives are still cut short due to these preventable crashes. Public awareness campaigns like the July 4th weekend crackdown are designed to make an even greater impact by deterring impaired driving through strong visibility and outreach.

Drivers can help to make a difference by having a sober plan! Motorists can download the mobile app, “Have a Plan,” and be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.