DA and Sheriff join local law enforcement officials to also address underage drinking during prom and graduation season and fireworks safety

Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler held a news conference on Thursday at the Erie Hotel and Restaurant in Port Jervis to announce enhanced enforcement of Driving While Intoxicated and Boating While Intoxicated laws during the summer months, while emphasizing the importance of safety in all seasonal activities.
Hoovler was joined at the event, sponsored by Dana Distributors, by Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden, representatives from the New York State Police, Orange County Police Chief’s Association, Orange County Stop-DWI, the Sparrowbush Fire Company, the Port Jervis Fire Department, National Park Service and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“We want residents to have a fun and enjoyable summer, but we want them to do it safely,” Hoovler said. “Taking precautions can avoid accidents and tragedies. I am thankful for the support of all of the law enforcement and government partners who are united in the mission to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for our residents and visitors. I am especially grateful to our corporate partner, Dana Distributors, for sponsoring this event.”

Law Enforcement on hand announced that there will be stepped up Driving While Intoxicated and Boating While Intoxicated enforcement throughout Orange County, including on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers. The Orange County Sheriff, New York State Police and National Park Service will be among the agencies enforcing Boating While Intoxicated laws. Residents were also reminded of the importance of wearing life-jackets while boating, watching children in and around water, as well as the dangers associated with barbeques and other outdoor fires. Officials reminded residents that although recent law changes have made some types of sparklers legal, most fireworks are still illegal and even legal fireworks must be handled with care to avoid serious injuries.

“It is tragic that every year there are fatalities caused by those who still drive or boat while intoxicated,” Hoovler said. “Many fatalities that take place on our rivers could be avoided if boaters wore life jackets. There is nothing more tragic than learning of child who has drowned, or has been seriously injured during a recreational activity that was meant to be fun, and should not have been dangerous.”

The event also addressed underage drinking during prom and graduation season. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus signed legislation last March to enact a Social Host Law, which is aimed at deterring the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors by holding anyone 18 years of age or older responsible when they permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors on premises. Under the Social Host Law, it is illegal for homeowners or any host 18 years or older to knowingly allow underage drinking at their home or a party, or to not take action to stop underage drinking after they are made aware of it.
DuBois warned that police will also be cracking down on impaired drivers during the Memorial Day weekend. The Orange County Stop-DWI program is providing funding to police agencies throughout the County to set up police sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols to ensure that our roadways are safe during Memorial Day weekend and the rest of the summer.

“There are many ways to avoid drinking and driving,” DuBois said. “Choose a designated river, take a cab or stay put. People who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated place themselves and all those around them at risk. During this holiday weekend, all Orange County police agencies will strictly enforce DWI laws. Those who operate a motor vehicle while impaired or intoxicated will be arrested by law enforcement and given a free ride to the Orange County Jail.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.