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STOP-DWI: Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated was authorized by the NYS legislature in 1981 and provided the return of monies for impaired driving violations to the counties in which they occurred, provided those counties established a "STOP-DWI" Program. The STOP-DWI Program purpose is to provide a, "...plan for coordination of county, town, city, village efforts to reduce alcohol-related traffic injuries and fatalities.”

The Oswego STOP-DWI Program was established in 1982. A plan is prepared yearly, and approved by the county legislature and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Research indicates the most effective method of combating impaired driving is to use the general deterrence model. The model theory is a person’s perception is based on personal experience.

• Special enforcement increases the perception of arrest of those who drive while under the influence.
• Swift adjudication of individual cases improves the perception that it is an individual issue.
• Certain and severe punishment for those convicted emphases that message.
• Public information and education focus on the concept of choices and consequences allowing a reflection of what could happen.

Mission

• Reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes.
• To promote DWI prevention as a public priority.
• Coordinate local efforts in law enforcement, prosecution, probation, rehabilitation, public information, education, and administration.

Key Components of the Oswego County STOP-DWI

• Law Enforcement - Selective enforcement units patrol at peak hours in high risk areas.
• Prosecution - Assist the Oswego County District Attorney's Office in handling DWI/impaired driving cases. 
• Probation - STOP-DWI and the Probation Department collaborate to address impaired driving in the community.  This includes STOP-DWI providing advanced alcohol tests to improve supervision of convicted impaired drivers.
• Victim Impact Panel - Oswego County has operated a Victim Impact Panel since January 2001.  The Panel is run through the combined efforts of STOP-DWI and the Oswego County Probation Department  and presented every other month.  Attendees are individuals referred by the courts and probation who have been charged with impaired driving.  Approximately 30 offenders attend each panel. Presentations are moderated by STOP-DWI/Probation staff. The panel consists of victims of DWI related crashes who reflect on their losses and the consequences of impaired driving.  
• Public Information and Education - The STOP-DWI Program provides public information and education both in local schools and to community events throughout the county. Our activities include use of Fatal Vision impairment goggles with activity mats and pedal carts on serpentine cone courses.
• Driver education class presentations.
• School health class awareness presentations about alcohol and drugs.
• “MOCK DWI” crash scenarios at local high schools. This presentation includes rescue, police investigation, death notification, defendant arraignment and lastly the funeral itself.
• School and community safety fair information and activity booths. 
• Annual high school mini-grant program for post-prom events.