Cops to Crack Down on DWI for 4th of July Weekend

 LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Sheriff Thomas Dougherty announces a countywide crackdown on impaired driving this July 4 weekend.

According to a press release from Dougherty, who serves as the Livingston County STOP DWI Coordinator, the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on June 30 and will end on July 4.

“The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving,” said Dougherty. “This year the 4 of July falls on a Tuesday so we expect heavy traveling to begin on Friday, June 30 and run through Wednesday July 5.”

Dougherty added that Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads. According to data from NHTSA, during the 2015 Fourth of July Holiday, 146 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. Nearly two-thirds of those killed were in crashes where at least one driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher,  almost twice the legal limit.

“There is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking,” said Dougherty. “Your life and the lives of your friends and family are too important to not have a plan to get home safely. Car services, taxis, and local transit provide just some options for a safe ride.”

The NYS STOP-DWI Program also provides a free mobile app ‘Have A Plan’ to help you find rides in your area.

“If you choose to make a decision to drive while impaired, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office along with local police agencies will be collaborating and coordinating special efforts to aggressively target those who put lives in danger, said Dougherty. “The July 4 holiday is a special weekend with fun-filled family time. Please make good decisions if you plan to drink. Make a plan for a safe ride home.”