Oswego County STOP-DWI Coordinator David Hall announced that Oswego County police agencies plan to participate in a special effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI Campaign begins Saturday, July 1 and runs through Wednesday, July 5.

“As Americans, we love to celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, food and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on our nation’s roads,” said Hall. “The holiday is historically a deadly period of the year for impaired driving and this year, it falls on a Tuesday, so we expect that people’s travel plans will be extended beyond the weekend’s activities.”

Oswego County Sheriff patrols will join New York State Police and other municipal law enforcement agencies in a coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

The STOP-DWI Fourth of July Weekend High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Other campaigns around the year target Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving, the December holiday season, Superbowl Weekend, St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day.

These well-publicized, high-visibility campaigns aim to save lives by reducing the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Hall reminds residents that they can help make a difference by having a sober plan. “Have a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare service, or download the free STOP-DWI mobile app ‘Have a Plan’ at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp and you’ll always be able to find a safe ride home,” he said. “Impaired driving is entirely preventable. It just takes a little planning on your part.”

For more information about Oswego County’s STOP-DWI Program, go to www.oswegocounty.com/stopdwi.