Sheriff Dougherty Encourages DWI App Use For Awareness

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty recently announced the launch of a new free mobile app that encourages people to have a plan to get home safely if they are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

According to  a press release from Sheriff Dougherty, the “Have A Plan” app operates on iPhone, Android and Windows platforms. It can preload a list of designated drivers for users, find a taxi cab via GPS, estimate users’ blood alcohol impairment, test users’ motor skills to assess impairment level, and a ‘Report DWI’ button that connects users to their local 911 service.

“The ‘Have A Plan’ app will be important in the effort to prevent impaired driving,” said Sheriff Dougherty. “We want to keep our roadways a safe place to travel and want these folks to get home safely. This app helps its users do that by placing a tool in the hands of a potentially impaired driver to find a safe way home.”

The app also offers a list of DWI facts and myths, access to STOP-DWI social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, as well as news feed to get the latest on impaired driving law.

Developed by STOP-DWI New York and Staples Marketing under a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, “Have A Plan” is one of the most comprehensive traffic safety mobile apps in the country. Users can download the “Have A Plan” app by visiting www.stopdwi.org/mobile app and selecting the link for the Apple Store, Google Play, or the Windows Phone Store.

STOP-DWI, which stands for ‘Special Traffic Operations Program for Driving While Intoxicated, was created by the State Legislature in 1981 to empower county governments to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes within the context of a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program.

The app, though informative, warns that it is not a final say in Blood Alcohol Content, suitability to drive or whether one can be arrested DUI or DWI. Always use common sense when deciding to drive after a night out.

“I urge drivers to make advance plans to get a sober ride home from a friend, a taxi or by using public transportation,” added Sheriff Dougherty. “Don’t put yourself or others in harm’s way by driving while impaired.”

For more information regarding Livingston County STOP-DWI please visit: www.livingstoncounty.us/sheriff or follow the program on Facebook or Twitter.