Saratoga County Sheriff Has Stern Warning for Drivers 4th of July

Enjoy America, Don't Drink and Drive

As we head into the 4th of July holiday, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo issued a stern warning to drivers who get behind the wheel after having had too much to drink:

"We will find you, arrest you, and hold you accountable."

It's a simple message, but an important one for the safety of everyone, including law enforcement.

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, and the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office announced extra efforts to "address an increase in driving while intoxicated and drug impaired driving arrests in Saratoga County while also urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking or using drugs."

Saratoga Sheriff Issues Stern Warning

In a press release, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said, “As we head into the Fourth of July holiday, we want to make it clear that being safe on the road is not just a holiday issue. This is a year-round, 24/7 issue not only for drivers, but also for our deputies. If you are drunk or driving impaired in Saratoga County, at any time, on any day, and on any road, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will be held accountable.”
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How Will They Crack Down?

According to the report, the Sheriff's Office will "implement high-visibility DWI/impaired driver patrols with deputies stationed throughout the county to address this concerning trend. The team employs a mix of additional roving patrols, checkpoints, and a full-time dedicated DWI/impaired driver patrol with members specially trained in field sobriety testing and breath analysis."

Tips for a Safer 4th of July

Saratoga County officials have asked residents and visitors to follow these safety tips:

• Plan Ahead: If you’ll be drinking or consuming drugs, arrange a safe way home before you begin; don’t drive.
• Use a rideshare service or choose a designated driver. A designated driver is someone who has had no drinks and no drugs, not a few.
• If you see a drunk or impaired driver, promptly call 911. You could save someone’s life.
• Friends don’t let friends drive drunk or impaired.
• If you know someone about to drive or ride with someone who is intoxicated by alcohol or impaired by drugs, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going.