DWI roving patrols over St. Patrick's Day weekend

Police agencies will blanket Erie County with dedicated DWI patrols this weekend. Continuing through Monday, state, county and local police agencies will assign additional patrols with the sole purpose of detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. The effort is part of a state and national DWI crackdown to coincide with the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Through March 12 this year, 446 drivers have been arrested for impaired driving in Erie County. Those convicted can expect, on average, to pay $10,000 in fines and other costs, lose driving privileges, and be barred from visiting Canada. Motorists are advised to make arrangements for a safe ride home if celebrating.

One can download New York’s “Have A Plan” app http://stopdwi.org/mobileapp for local options and to learn more about DWI consequences.

This campaign is a cooperative effort of the Erie County Chiefs of Police Association, the New York State Police, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Central Police Services Department of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.