St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI will be supporting local law enforcement agencies participating in the High Visibility Engagement Campaign efforts to tackle substance impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Memorial Weekend effort starts on May 26th and will end on May 30.

New York State Police, St. Lawrence sheriff’s deputies and local law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force in this across-the-board effort to reduce the number of impaired driving injuries and deaths, according to Michele James, St. Lawrence County Special Programs coordinator.

“There will be no warnings,” said Michele James, St. Lawrence County Special Programs Coordinator. “Our message is simple—Don’t drive impaired. Drive sober. The personal and financial costs are too great. ”

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many families are being affected because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of substance impaired driving.

The STOP-DWI Foundation has created a Mobile APP – “Have A Plan” that is available as a free download for smart phones to help find safe rides home no matter where you may be celebrating. Go to www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp or visit your APP store.

Funding for this campaign was provided by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During this time period, law enforcement will vigorously enforce laws related to driving while impaired with special emphasis on impaired driving either by alcohol or drugs.