NYS STOP-DWI Mission
- Reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes
- To promote DWI prevention as a public priority
- Coordinate local efforts in Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Probation, Rehabilitation, Public Information, Education, and Administration.
Overview
- STOP-DWI stands for “Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Impaired”.
- The STOP-DWI Program was created by the State Legislature in 1981.
- Empowers counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug related traffic crashes.
- The Program functions as a financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program.
- STOP-DWI efforts are funded entirely from fines paid by convicted drunken drivers, no tax dollars are used.
New York State is recognized nationally as a leader in traffic safety and in particular for continual progress in reducing alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.
New York’s STOP-DWI program is the Nations’ first and, to date, only self-sustaining impaired driving program. Other States have implemented components of self-sufficiency, but none to the degree of New York State.
STOP-DWI New York has followed the “General Deterrence Model” in developing the legislation and programs that are a statewide success. The General Deterrence Model is best described as a method to get people not to do something. The necessary prongs include:
- Prevention and Education (don’t drink and drive)
- Incapacitation (keep drinkers from driving)
- Reform (treat individuals to prevent future offenses)
- Deterrence (change behavior through fear or consequences)
Find your county's local STOP-DWI Coordinator.