NEW YORK – Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday issued a proclamation designating December as the “Stop DWI Month” (STOP-DWI) and announced a number of specific initiatives to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances across the state.
Throughout the month of December, the Governor’s Highway Safety Committee (GTSC) will roll out a new Public Service Announcement against drunk driving. GTSC will also launch a $1 million Don’t Drive High public awareness campaign using funds from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
“New York has zero tolerance for drunk driving, an ill-advised decision that endangers all who share the road,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s simple: Celebrate and drive responsibly or have a plan to get home safely. My administration will continue to crack down on reckless driving to protect New Yorkers on the road.”
Together with its partners the New York State Restaurant Association and the Empire State Tavern Association, GTSC will work to distribute safe driving message stickers for use on takeout beverages at bars and restaurants across the state, and GTSC has released driving messages safe on jukeboxes to encourage responsible driving.
GTSC and STOP-DWI will also sponsor “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, the campaign against drink driving from December 15th to January 1st. During that time, law enforcement agencies across the state will step up patrols.
“A common threat on our roads, which we continually combat, is drunk driving,” said Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli. “As motorists drive across the state to see family and friends this holiday season, we encourage them to make safe driving practices a priority. The New York State Police is proud to join our force partners in the order in the ongoing effort to deter, detect and arrest drunk and inebriated drivers.”
These latest measures to eradicate drunk driving in New York build on the state’s ongoing efforts to address this problem. Along with the State Liquor Authority, State Police and local police, DMV oversees Operation Prevent, an enforcement initiative that helps prevent alcohol consumption and sales to underage persons.
STOP-DWI is an acronym for “Special Traffic Option Program for Drunk Driving”. The state’s STOP-DWI program is funded by fines paid by convicted disabled drivers. It is important to note that program coordinators are made up of diverse professional backgrounds, including law enforcement and non-police enforcement.
For more information visit stopdwi.org/.
