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Putnam Sheriff, Kent PD Will Ramp Up DWI Patrols

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. --  To help save lives during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith and Town of Kent Police Chief Alex Divernieri announced their departments will have increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints. 

Putnam County law enforcement will run a joint STOP-DWI enforcement campaign this holiday weekend.

Putnam County law enforcement will run a joint STOP-DWI enforcement campaign this holiday weekend.

Photo Credit: File

The extra sheriff’s deputies and town police officers will be out in force between Friday and Monday, May 29 at various locations throughout the county.

“Memorial Day marks the official start of summer, the season for trips to the beach, backyard barbecues, Holy Communion parties and weddings, and other festive gatherings,” said Divernieri, “But, these activities can all too often result in some people overindulging in alcohol and then getting behind the wheel of a car.”

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, too many lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. 

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce fatalities caused by drunken driving by as much as 20 percent.

“We want to urge those who will be celebrating the holiday to make arrangements for getting home safely from parties, such as using taxis or designated drivers,” said Smith.

To help drivers arrive home safely, the STOP-DWI Foundation offers a smartphone app called “Have a Plan” that helps users find safe rides home. The app is available as a free download at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp or on the app store.

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