STOP-DWI Crackdown targets drunk drivers during the holidays

Goshen — Orange County participates in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown enforcement campaign to keep drunk drivers off the road. The program provides police agencies with equipment funding for sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols. “We all want to enjoy ourselves with family and friends this time of year, so plan ahead — designate a driver, call a cab or make overnight arrangements," said County Executive Ed Diana. "But please don’t drink and drive." Craig Cherry, Orange County's Stop-DWI Coordinator and Deputy Commissioner Division of Police Liaison Services, said, “Although recent STOP-DWI efforts across our region have led to significant reductions in alcohol-related fatalities, too many lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. The efforts of the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown campaign aims to reduce the numbers even further.” The program is funded by fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses in the county. In 2011, more than $24,000 in equipment was purchased for Orange County police agencies. All 62 counties in New York State have a STOP-DWI Program. For more information, call 615-0575 or visit www.orangecountystopdwi.com.