The 2023 STOP-DWI Impaired Driving Conference took place on Thursday, October 19th – Friday, October 20th in Utica, New York. The conference was attended by partners in law enforcement, treatment, probation, prosecution, and victim services.

It began with an opening from Tracy Mance, NYS STOP-DWI Foundation Chairperson. Sessions included presentations about traffic safety, oral fluid testing, changes to the point system and licensing, and a talk given by victim speaker, Jawana Richardson. In Richardson’s session, she shared her heart-wrenching story of losing her husband to an impaired driver.

A panel of professionals, also gave a compelling presentation about oral fluid testing. Maureen McCormick, Esq., who is a Special Assistant District Attorney for Legislative Initiatives, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; and Co-Chair, Vehicular Crimes Subcommittee, DAASNY, gave a presentation about the current law related to driving while impaired by “drugs,” the law’s legislative history and idiosyncrasies, case law interpretations and their practical impacts on enforcement and prosecution; some relevant statistics, and an overview of how the rest of the country is approaching drugged driving.

There was also a presentation of colors with the Onedia County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Whitesboro High School Chorus, Pastor Brenda Brucker, and Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, who all participated.

New York’s fuzzy, and friendly STOP-DWI mascot, BiFF, made an appearance made an appearance with Karen, his ‘mom’ from MySmartSimulations. BiFF was celebrated by conference attendees because he is a symbol of why the prevention of impaired driving is so important.

Martin Lockett shared his story of ‘one night of fun’ that landed him in prison for 17 ½ years for killing two people while driving intoxicated. 

A special thank you goes out to Sheryl Hutton for her countless hours of work putting this training together. 

See the full list of presenters and the description of their session presentations.

Share the link to this page on social media and use the following hashtags: #STOPDWIPartners #HaveaPlan #DontDriveGetaRide #drivesober.

View the gallery of images below from the conference.