Monroe County STOP-DWI and local law enforcement call on drivers to make responsible and life-saving choices throughout the busy holiday travel season

Monroe County, New York – As homes glow with holiday lights and calendars fill with parties, family dinners, and end-of-year celebrations, Monroe County officials are renewing a familiar but urgent reminder: choices made behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences. Monroe County STOP-DWI, together with local law enforcement agencies, is calling on drivers to think ahead, slow down, and avoid impaired driving as the holiday season reaches its busiest stretch.

The weeks between mid-December and New Year’s Day are traditionally marked by heavier traffic and more social gatherings. While the season brings joy and connection, it also brings increased risk on the road. Officials warn that impairment is not limited to alcohol alone. Drugs, whether illegal, prescription, over-the-counter, or cannabis products, can all affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination. Mixing substances can further amplify those dangers. The central message remains simple and direct: If you feel different, you drive different.

To confront this seasonal risk, the statewide STOP-DWI Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign is underway from December 10 through January 1. During this period, drivers throughout Monroe County can expect to see more law enforcement patrols, visible safety checkpoints, and proactive outreach efforts aimed at preventing impaired driving. These actions are paired with public awareness messaging designed to remind drivers that safe choices protect not just themselves, but everyone sharing the road.

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Law enforcement officials say the campaign is not about punishment, but prevention. The increased visibility serves as a deterrent while reinforcing the idea that impaired driving is both dangerous and entirely avoidable. Authorities stress that planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Choosing a designated sober driver, arranging a rideshare, or setting up alternate transportation before drinking or using any impairing substance can make the difference between a safe night and a tragic outcome.

The concern is backed by troubling data. According to Monroe County STOP-DWI, the holiday period has consistently shown a rise in crashes year after year. “During the two-week holiday period at the end of each year, crashes climb significantly. Over the past three years, the daily average has increased from 50 to 60, meaning roughly 10 additional crashes each day!” said Lindsay Tomidy, Monroe County STOP-DWI Coordinator. “This seasonal spike each year is preventable, and it is not acceptable. Our team urges drivers to slow down, avoid impaired driving, and for all, including passengers, to make safety the priority this holiday season.”

Officials emphasize that responsibility does not fall solely on drivers. Passengers, friends, and family members also play a critical role. If someone appears impaired and is considering driving, stepping in can save lives. Taking away keys, calling a ride, or offering a safe place to stay are actions that may feel uncomfortable in the moment but can prevent irreversible harm.

The holiday enforcement effort is part of a broader, year-round strategy supported by funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Similar high-visibility STOP-DWI initiatives are conducted around Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Super Bowl weekend, and St. Patrick’s Day. Each campaign follows the same principle: increased enforcement paired with public education to deter impaired driving and encourage safer decisions across New York State.

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To make planning easier, state traffic safety officials have also turned to technology. The New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation offer a free mobile app called “Have a Plan.” Available in all app stores, the app helps users arrange safe transportation options before they go out, removing last-minute guesswork that can lead to dangerous choices.

As Monroe County moves through the final weeks of the year, officials say the goal is straightforward: fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and no lives lost due to impaired driving. With celebrations continuing and roads growing busier, STOP-DWI and law enforcement urge everyone to remember that safety is not an obstacle to enjoyment, but a shared responsibility. Making a plan, watching out for others, and choosing not to drive impaired can ensure the holiday season ends with memories worth keeping.