FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, August 19, 2010

Commissioner David J. Swarts of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC); John Sullivan, President of the New York State STOP-DWI Association; Peter R. Kehoe, Executive Director of the New York State Sheriffs Association; John P. Melville, Acting Superintendent of the State Police; and Margaret Ryan, President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police; today reminded drivers that driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 will have them over the limit - and under arrest.

To help drive home that message, beginning Friday, August 20, police agencies across the state will join those nationwide in an 18-day impaired driving crackdown called "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." The crackdown will culminate on Labor Day, September 6. At a news conference held in West Seneca, state and local law enforcement agencies noted they will be stepping up their enforcement efforts to coincide with the national initiative.

"STOP-DWI efforts have led to significant reductions in the number of alcohol related fatalities, but still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers," said Commissioner Swarts, who also reminded drivers of the new ignition interlock provision under Leandra's Law that went into effect August 15. "Those convicted of a misdemeanor or felony drunk driving charge - even if they are a first-time offender - will be required to install an ignition interlock device at their own expense in any vehicle they operate."

John F. Sullivan, President of the New York State STOP-DWI Association, Inc. said, "The STOP-DWI Association, a network of offices in every county in the state, is pleased to support this nationwide DWI crackdown campaign. Highly visible enforcement efforts are an effective deterrent and a reminder that DWI is a priority among New York police agencies. Our goal is to make the Labor Day holiday period a safe and enjoyable one for all New Yorkers."

New York State Police Acting Superintendent John P. Melville said, "Dangerous behaviors such as impaired and aggressive driving, speeding, not using safety restraints and texting while driving cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths on our highways. To help ensure the safety of New York's motorists, the State Police will continue to do their part by vigilantly enforcing the traffic laws."

Peter R. Kehoe, Executive Director of the New York State Sheriffs' Association said, "Impaired driving continues to be a serious problem that negatively affects each and every one of us. One can't watch the local news or pick up a paper and not see a story relating to drunk driving. Many of these stories remind us that all too often innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and loss of loved ones due to this criminal and careless disregard for human life. Because we are committed to ending this needless carnage, the Sheriffs of New York State, in cooperation with other law enforcement personnel, will intensify their enforcement efforts during this crackdown period. Our Deputies will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers; make no mistake, if you are driving under the influence you will be arrested - no exceptions!"

Margaret Ryan, President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police said, "New York's Police Chiefs fully support and will actively participate in the upcoming drunk driving crackdown. Aggressive enforcement efforts combined with smart legislation like Leandra's Law will continue to reduce the amount of impaired driving in New York and will undoubtedly reduce the deaths, injuries and suffering needlessly caused by alcohol related crashes."

It is important to keep in mind that every 40 minutes, someone in this country dies in an alcohol-related crash. Last year alone, more than one million people nationwide were injured in automobile crashes in which alcohol was a factor.

Despite years of calling attention to impaired driving and the tragedies that can be left behind when an impaired driver causes a crash, in 2008 there were still more than 9,000 alcohol-related accidents in which almost 400 lives were lost in New York. While New Yorkers are less likely to be involved in an impaired driving crash today than in years past, highway officials do not want the public to become complacent about drinking or drug use and driving.