MALONE — Franklin County District Attorney Craig Carriero announced Monday that Franklin County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving.

The law enforcement community across New York state will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and will end on Jan. 1. New York State Police, county sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, many lives are still being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. In December 2016, impaired driving crashes resulted in 781 deaths. Over a five-year period, that total is almost 4,000 deaths.

Police ask citizens to have a SOBER plan this holiday season. Designate a SOBER driver, use public transportation, stay where you are or get a ride. People living in the Tupper Lake area can use MACS Safe Ride by calling 518-304-3282.

The STOP-DWI holiday season crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation.