Monroe County Expands Enforcement As Holiday Crashes Increase

Monroe County officials on December 23 publicly urged drivers to exercise caution this holiday season after recording a notable increase in crashes during the year end period. Law enforcement increased visible patrols across the county through the end of the year as part of the STOP DWI Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign, a coordinated effort to deter impaired driving and respond more quickly when incidents occur.

County STOP DWI Coordinator Lindsay Tomidy said the increase is measurable and avoidable. “This seasonal spike each year is preventable, and it is not acceptable,” Tomidy said in a statement. “Our team urges drivers to slow down, avoid impaired driving, and for all, including passengers, to make safety the priority this holiday season.” Officials reported that over the past three years the daily average of crashes rose from 50 to 60 during the two week holiday period at the end of each year, an increase of about 20 percent.

The immediate aim of the campaign is to reduce impaired driving caused by alcohol, drugs or combinations of substances, and to lower the number of collisions during a period that historically demands more emergency response. For residents the consequences are practical and personal. Increased crashes mean longer emergency response times, more pressure on hospital emergency departments, and higher risks for drivers, passengers and pedestrians during a peak travel window.

The county response reflects a mix of enforcement and public education. Officials encouraged residents to designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, or arrange alternate transportation before consuming alcohol or drugs. More information on the county STOP DWI program is available from Monroe County public safety resources.

Beyond immediate enforcement, the trend raises policy questions for local leaders about prevention funding, traffic safety investments and alternatives to late night driving. Decisions about how to allocate county public safety resources and support for prevention programs are matters for voters and elected officials at the county level. In the short term the campaign seeks to reduce harms this holiday season, and to prompt community conversations about long term strategies that will keep Monroe County roads safer year round.