STOP-DWI holiday season crackdown begins

Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti announces Niagara County law enforcement agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives, law enforcement officers across New York state will take to the roads. The statewide STOP-DWI holiday season crackdown efforts start Dec. 17 and will end Jan. 1. The Niagara County Sheriff's Office, as well as law enforcement agencies across Niagara County, will be out in force.

The STOP-DWI holiday season crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI New York and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The statewide STOP-DWI crackdown campaign also targets 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick's Day.

A press release stated, “While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, too many lives are being lost due to crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI crackdown campaign aim to further reduce the occurrence of drunk and impaired driving.”