Hudson Valley Just Don’t Do It on St Paddy’s or Ever

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced that Dutchess County police agencies will be taking part in the statewide STOP-DWI St. Patrick's Day crackdown enforcement effort.

Announced in a press release this week, the New York State Police along with the Dutchess County Sheriff's office and other municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate throughout the state to stop people from drinking and driving during the St Patrick's Day holiday. Starting Friday, March 13th through Wednesday, March 18th law enforcement will be out in force monitoring local roads in the hopes of reducing alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

County Executive Molinaro said, “St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration that transcends nationality, but there is no excuse for revelers to drink and drive, endangering their lives and those with whom they share the road. If drinking will be part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, please plan ahead and find a safe ride home. We thank the many dedicated men and women of local law enforcement who devote their time and efforts to rid our roadways of impaired drivers – not only on St. Patrick’s Day, but every day.” 

According to the press release from the Dutchess County Executive's office St. Patrick's Day is one of the most popular drinking occasions in the USA right behind New Year's Eve, Christmas Day and Fourth of July. This also leads to it being one of the most hazardous days on U.S. roadways. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2017, for example, there were 59 alcohol-related fatalities nationwide during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, defined as 6 p.m. March 16th to 5:59 a.m. March 18th. 

The St. Patrick's Day crackdown is just one of many annual initiatives that take place during holiday seasons promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. Additional funding comes from the STOP-DWI Foundation with a grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.