Chautauqua County police agencies recently participated in the New York State STOP-DWI Memorial Day Enforcement Crackdown.

The crackdown began Friday, May 24 and continued through Tuesday, May 28. This event was funded by a 2018-2019 grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, and was part of a national crackdown effort. In Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua County Sheriff, municipal law enforcement agencies and New York State Police vigorously enforced laws related to driving while impaired. They worked 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 last state-wide crackdowns during the Memorial Day holiday. This effort resulted in two arrests for driving while intoxicated and 20 other 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.