Monroe County's Labor Day Weekend Campaign to Combat Impaired Driving

Local police agencies and the Department of Public Safety's STOP-DWI Program will intensify efforts this Labor Day Weekend to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. The campaign, which concludes on Monday, September 2, is part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving-related injuries and fatalities during this busy holiday period.

As Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and a last opportunity for families and friends to gather before the new school year begins, it is also a critical time for traffic safety. Throughout New York State, law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police, Sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, and local STOP-DWI Programs, will collaborate to enhance visibility and enforcement on the roads.

The message is clear: if you plan to use any impairing substance, including alcohol, do not drive. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service or taxi to ensure a safe journey home. Impaired driving is entirely preventable with proper planning and accountability.

To support safe decision-making, STOP-DWI NY, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, offers a mobile app called “Have a Plan.” Available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the app helps users find a safe way home if they intend to consume alcohol.

“Far too many lives in our community have been shattered by drunk drivers. There is absolutely no excuse for impaired driving,” said County Executive Bello. “If your Labor Day plans include alcohol, please be responsible: have a designated driver or another safe way to get home, and most importantly, don’t drink and drive. I want to thank all our law enforcement agencies for uniting in this crucial high visibility engagement campaign.”

Lindsay Tomidy, Monroe County’s STOP-DWI coordinator, expressed her gratitude to law enforcement for prioritizing impaired driving enforcement as summer winds down. “It’s heartbreaking to read about preventable crashes in the news. We hope that this awareness campaign and increased enforcement will help curb the dangerous choices some drivers make,” Tomidy said.

The STOP-DWI Labor Day/End of Summer High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of several statewide initiatives sponsored by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Other targeted periods include Memorial Day, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, the Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend, and St. Patrick’s Day.

These highly visible, well-publicized campaigns aim to reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. For more information on how the program promotes roadway safety, visit www.monroecounty.gov/ts.