Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There will be many ceremonies throughout the Hudson Valley to pay tribute to our fallen men and women. It is also the un-official beginning of summer and with that comes parties and barbecue along with an adult beverage or two.

According to the office of the County Executive, Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, District Attorney David Hoovler and Orange County Stop-DWI Coordinator Craig W. Cherry announced this week that police will be cracking down on impaired drivers over Memorial Day weekend. The Orange County Stop-DWI program is providing funding to police agencies throughout the County to provide police sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols to help ensure that our roadways are safe during Memorial Day weekend as well as the rest of the summer.

If you plan on attending a party and drinking, please have a plan in place so that you don't drink and drive. The Office of the Orange County Executive in conjunction with the Stop-DWI Program recommend the following important precautions to have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend:

  • Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
  • If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab or have a sober friend or family member pick you up. If need be, just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
  • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.
  • Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against a drunk driver.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police. You could save a life.

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