Nearly 50 vehicles were stopped over the Memorial Day weekend as Chautauqua County police agencies participated in the New York State STOP-DWI Memorial Day Enforcement Crackdown, officials announced today.

The crackdown began May 22 and continued through May 26. This event is funded by a 2019-2020 grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, and is part of a national crackdown effort.

In Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua County Sheriff, municipal law enforcement agencies, and New York State Police vigorously enforce laws related to driving while impaired. All work together to reduce the number of impaired driving injuries and deaths, with special emphasis on driving while impaired by either alcohol or drugs.

The agencies participated in the state-wide crackdown during Memorial Day, resulting in a total of 49 vehicle stops, arrests and summonses. “Removing intoxicated drivers from Chautauqua County roadways is one of our top priorities,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff James B. Quattrone. “If you choose to drink, don’t drive. Drunk drivers not only put themselves in danger, they threaten everyone who shares the road with them.”

The Chautauqua County STOP-DWI Program is funded by drinking and driving fines collected from convicted drunk drivers.