Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace

MAYVILLE, NY – With the Fourth of July Holiday weekend just about upon us, the Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace is reminding motorists that there will be stepped up road patrols the entire weekend, beginning Friday and ending on Monday. During this time period, law enforcement agencies will “vigorously” enforce laws related to driving while impaired, with special emphasis on impaired driving either by alcohol or drugs.

“Removing intoxicated drivers from Chautauqua County roadways is one of our top priorities,” said Sheriff Joe Gerace. “If you choose to drink, don’t drive. Drunk drivers not only put themselves in danger, they threaten everyone who shares the highways with them.”

Through the state-wide STOP-DWI Program, Chautauqua County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriff, and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will take part in this effort to reduce the number of impaired driving injuries and deaths.

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, the County’s last crackdown took place during Memorial Day weekend, and resulted in more than 100 vehicle stops, arrests, and summonses.

Funding for these crackdowns is provided by the New York State STOP- DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says his office will be partnering with other police agencies this weekend in a STOP-DWI program. The enforcement effort is intended to crackdown on impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend and will star on Saturday, Jan. 31 and end on Monday, Feb 2. During the time period, law enforcement agencies will vigorously enforce laws related to driving while impaired, whether it be alcohol or drugs.

Participating agencies include the New York State Police, Sheriff’s Office, Jamestown Police, Ellicott Police, Lakewood-Busti Police, and various other law enforcement agencies in the county.

Funding for the initiative is provided by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.