Local traffic safety blitzes gaining results
LOCKPORT — It may be a case of mission accomplished for Niagara Region law enforcement agencies, as a second straight targeted high-visibility traffic safety campaign failed to record any impaired driving arrests.
In an effort centered on the Super Bowl weekend of Feb. 8-9, local police agencies, using enhanced patrols, made only two arrests, both for crimes not related to traffic safety. They also conducted 58 traffic stops, resulting in the issuance of 48 vehicle and traffic law citations.
The results continue a trend that began to emerge in holiday-related high-visibility safety campaigns throughout 2024. In a two-week effort that spanned the Christmas and New Year's holidays, officers and deputies made no drunken driving arrests and only one arrest for driving while ability impaired by drugs (DWAI).
Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, whose office tracks the effectiveness of the traffic safety initiative, says its goal is to 'bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.' The sheriff said the bottom line for the safety efforts is, 'To stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.'
Over the course of enhanced safety patrols during the 2024 Christmas, New Year's, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays Niagara Region law enforcement agencies conducted 241 traffic stops, accompanied by 11 secondary screenings.
Those stops and screenings led to 6 arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and 1 for driving while ability impaired by drugs (DWAI) for the year. The safety campaigns also netted an additional 13 arrests in non-traffic related charges.
Officers and deputies, during the 2024 campaigns, issued 173 vehicle and traffic law citations, including 4 for no seat belt.
The annual statewide enforcement initiatives are promoted and funded by STOP-DWI New York and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.
Locally, New York State Police troopers, Niagara County Sheriff's Office deputies and officers from New York State Park Police, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lewiston, Middleport and Somerset police departments participated in the enforcement efforts.
'We focus our engagement on impaired driving,' Filicetti said. 'While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.'
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