St. Lawrence County police agencies will be out in force for a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving through Feb. 2.

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched sporting event and the weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving, according to St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI. State police, St. Lawrence County sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.

There will be no warnings,” said Michele James, St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI Program. “Our message is simple—Don’t drink or drug and drive. Violators can lose their licenses; pay increased insurance rates; may have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle; and pay fines, surcharges and DMV fees. Refuse a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test and you can lose your license for a minimum of six months or possibly one year.”

You can help to make a difference by having a plan! Download our new mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Whether attending the game, watching at a bar or hosting a party, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds everyone that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. NHTSA offers these additional safety tips:

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant her are some points to keep in mind:

• Designate your sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely before the party begins.

• If you don’t have a designated driver, then ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay for the night.

• Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party:

• Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance, or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure they get home safely.

• Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.

• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.

• Your seatbelt is your best defense against a drunk driver in a crash.

The STOP-DWI Super Bowl Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation. This funding for this crackdown was 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.