Jan. 17—LOCKPORT — A more than two-week targeted high-visibility traffic safety campaign in Niagara County during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays yielded largely positive results local law enforcement officials say.
With officers and deputies engaging in saturation patrols on area roadways, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported no drunken driving arrests and only one arrest for driving while ability impaired by drugs (DWAI). The enhanced safety patrols began in mid-December and ended on New Year’s Day.
Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, whose office tracks the effectiveness of the traffic safety initiative said it’s designed to “bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.” Filicetti said the goal of the extra patrols is straightforward — “to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.”
The annual statewide enforcement initiatives are promoted and funded by STOP-DWI New York and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
The safety campaign saw increased road patrols by the New York State Police, New York State Park Police, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lewiston, Middleport and Somerset police departments.
In addition to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, law enforcement agencies also engage in saturation patrols during Halloween, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, and the Labor Day holiday.
“We focus our community engagement on impaired driving,” Filicetti said. “While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.”
Statistics compiled during the winter holiday campaign showed that the Niagara Region’s collective law enforcement agencies engaged with 52 motorists. Those encounters led to one DWAI arrest and four other non-traffic-related arrests.
Officers and deputies issued 44 traffic summonses, including 4 for seat belt violations.