Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Participate in Statewide Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign

BALLSTON SPA — The county Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County police agencies are participating in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving this holiday season. 

The campaign runs through Jan.  1, 2025.

“The holiday season is a time for celebrating,” Sheriff County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said in a statement. “The choices you make now can determine the direction of not only the new year, but the rest of your life. Take the time right here, right now, to make a plan. It only takes a minute.”

In December 2022, the most recent statistics available, 1,062 people died in drunk driving crashes – the most since 2007, according to the sheriff’s office.  Alcohol is not the only culprit. From 2019 to 2021, one study involving seriously injured or killed drivers in trauma centers found that approximately 25% had active THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana – in their systems.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” to always be able to find a safe ride home at: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp