St. Lawrence County’s local law enforcement agencies will aggressively target drunk drivers during the upcoming Halloween holiday period.

The effort is the latest statewide STOP-DWI crackdown, which runs from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

During the STOP-DWI Crackdown, law enforcement statewide will be stepping up patrols and scheduling sobriety road checks.

“Drinking/drugging and driving anytime is a big mistake, but doing so at a time when we know the streets will be filled with children is a risk nobody should accept. This is reckless behavior and local, county and state law enforcement in this county will aggressively work together to locate those who make this bad choice,” said Sheriff Kevin M. Wells, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

Adult Halloween parties have grown in popularity in recent years and many of these include the consumption of alcohol and the potential for impaired driving. This presents an obvious risk to families who take to the streets as pedestrians on the same evening. It is significant to note that on Halloween Night in 2009-2013, 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involved drunk driving. Therefore, law enforcement officials and traffic safety advocates are taking the matter with great seriousness.

“If you plan on drinking and/or drugging, I strongly recommend you find safe and sober transportation. The stakes couldn’t be higher. We hope this statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown serves to remind everyone about the dangers of substance impaired driving and makes St. Lawrence County’s roadways safer. Stay safe this Halloween, don't drink and drive - get a ride.