STOP-DWI, a New York program aimed at reducing DWIs and related fatalities, has announced it will spearhead a DWI crackdown during the 2014 Super Bowl. STOP-DWI stands for Special Traffic Option Program for Driving While Intoxicated. The New York state legislature created the program in 1981 in an effort to deter drunk and impaired driving. New York counties work with the program during the Super Bowl DWI crackdown to reduce drunk driving, and to educate the public about the dangers of driving while intoxicated or impaired.
From January 26th, 2014 to February 2nd, 2014, law enforcement will be cracking down on intoxicated and impaired drivers. Specifically, police will be using DWI checkpoints along with increased traffic patrols to ensure additional safety during the Super Bowl weekend. Officials are expecting a crowd of around 80,000 at MetLife Stadium during the game. Thousands more will be flocking to New York and the surrounding areas to watch the game, enjoy related festivities, and celebrate (or commiserate) the outcome. Given the expected surge of drivers combined with the high levels of alcohol consumption during the Super Bowl weekend, STOP-DWI and county law enforcement are concerned about traffic safety. They anticipate that more drivers than normal will be getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
STOP-DWI’s campaign is also focusing on media and advertisements to get the word out to the public about the crackdown. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee has released a media advisory about the specifics of the crackdown. This media advisory will serve as a way to remind the general public about DWI laws. In New York, and every other state, the legal driving limit is 0.08 percent for drivers 21 years of age and older. Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent can lead to a DWI charge. The penalty for a first time DWI conviction may include a fine up to $1,000, a requirement to install an interlock ignition device for up to one year, jail time up to one year, and a six-month driver’s license revocation.
A DWI is not the only charge an intoxicated driver may need to worry about during this crackdown. Any driver found to have a BAC over 0.18 percent could be charged with an Aggravated DWI, which can carry significantly heavier penalties than a DWI. Additionally, drivers operating a vehicle with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.07 percent may be arrested and charged with a DWAI – Driving While Ability Impaired.
If you are stopped during the Super Bowl DWI crackdown, remember the following guide on what to do during a DWI stop:
- Give the officer your license, registration, proof of insurance and then REMAIN SILENT;
- DO NOT answer any questions concerning where you’ve been or what you’ve consumed;
- DO NOT consent to a search of your vehicle;
- DO NOT TAKE ANY ROADSIDE TESTS, especially a hand-held breath test;
- Ask to leave the scene, by cab or on foot, without your keys;
- If you are arrested, do not resist, remain silent, and decline any breath, blood, or urine tests until you first SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY;
If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI or any related charge, contact the experienced DWI lawyers at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys immediately. Our lawyers understand New York DWI laws and can help you get the best results from your case.
DISCLAIMER: The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
