Oneida County Joins STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Campaign

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Sheriff’s Office, local police agencies and New York State Police will be participating in a special Thanksgiving statewide operation to combat impaired driving.

The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins November 22nd and ends November 26th.

“This Thanksgiving week and through the weekend, millions will hit the roads to spend time with family and friends in one of the busiest travel times of the year,” Picente said. “Please do not let this joyous time end in tragedy by driving distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our law enforcement agencies will be heavily patrolling our roadways to make sure that everyone gets to their destinations safely and enjoys the holiday season.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 190 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2021 (defined as 6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. the Monday after Thanksgiving). From 2017-2021, 137 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve were drunk, and more than 830 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes during the entire Thanksgiving holiday period.

“The week of Thanksgiving starts one of the busiest travel times of the year, with more people on the roadways, the potential for incidents increases,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. “With friends and families gathering, remember alcohol-related incidents are 100% preventable. Have a plan. If you choose to drink, do not drive.”

The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The campaign also targets Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, the Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick’s Day.

Research done by NHTSA shows that programs like the High Visibility Engagement Campaign, which publicize and enforce the consequences of impaired driving, lead to reductions in fatalities by reducing the incidence of impaired driving.

For more information on STOP-DWI efforts in Oneida County, please visit oneidacountyny.gov/STOPDWI.