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Lt. Robert Richards Interview
(Niagara County Sheriff’s Office STOP-DWI New York)

Stop-DWI New York is an organization committed to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and other drug related traffic crashes, promote DWI prevention as a public priority and coordinate local efforts in Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Probation, Rehabilitation, Public Information, Education and Administration.

STOP-DWI stands for “Special Traffic Operations Program for Driving While Impaired”.

The STOP-DWI program was created by the State Legislature in 1981.

In this interview Lt. Robert Richards of the Niagara County Sheriff’s office informs us about STOP-DWI New York.

Q - Lieut. Richards what is your position with the STOP-DWI New York program?
A - My position is chairman of the STOP-DWI Association board. Our executive board consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chair and Treasurer, in addition, our Board of Directors consists of regional representatives who work with counties in their region to address local issues and communicate those needs to the executive board. Our goal is to ensure all areas of New York State are represented. Our board is more policy driven whereas the STOP-DWI New York foundation board is more financial in regards to our mobile apps. DWI crackdown periods, funding for public information and education etc. The chairman of that board is Reginald Crowley from Columbia County.

Q - How did you become involved in this program? Is this an appointment through your employer?
A - I became involved in STOP-DWI about five years ago after being appointed DWI coordinator Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour and then confirmed by the Niagara County Legislature. I am a Lieut. with the Niagara County Sheriff’s office where I have worked for the past 12 years. Currently, I oversee the Sheriff’s office community services division.

Q - Is New York State winning the battle against drunk driving?
A - I like to think of our organization as a team. We are comprised of 58 County DWI coordinators which covers New York State. I mention that because each county coordinator works on issues specific to their County as it relates to driving while intoxicated, impaired-alcohol or drugs. The team approach is the collaboration of ideas each county coordinator brings to the table. So, you’re asking are we winning? Yes, because we have great representatives that have been empowered by their counties to help address and combat these issues and implement a local program that communicates their message. Furthermore, we have worked with our elected officials to have sensible legislation passed in both the Senate and Assembly, as well as the Governor’s office. We want our roadways safe for everyone who lives and travels through our great state. Reducing the number of motorists killed or injured is each of our priorities. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a choice. We are getting creative in different ways to reach out and communicate our message which helps us each day to educate on the potential deadly dangers of choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs

Q - Was there a problem with drunk driving in the 1950s and 1960s in New York State?
A - Laws existed but seem to not be enforced as intended. After doing a little research, it appears there were many crashes as a result of drinking and driving. I’m sure there were many advocates on this, but to reformers that stand out to me are Doris Aiken from remove intoxicated drivers (R I D) and New York State Sen. William T Smith. They were true pioneers and work to reform laws and bring victim advocacy to the center of discussion.

Q - When did this problem of drinking and driving really captured the attention of the public and the government? Was it the 1970s? The 1980s?
A - In the summer of 1981, New York State Sen. William T Smith introduced the stop-DWI Legislation which was considered during the 1981-1982 regular session of the New York State legislature. This legislation was the result of years of advocacy by Sen. Smith following the death of his daughter by an impaired driver in 1973 (New York STOP-DWI coordinators Association 2002). The STOP-DWI law enacted in November 1981 and County programs were first implemented in 1982. New York’s STOP-DWI program is the nation’s first and to date, only self-sustaining impaired driving program. Other states have implemented components of self-and see but none to the degree of New York State. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Doris Aiken from removing intoxicating driving. As the years have gone by, more legislation and discussions ended because of the change in society.

Q - I hear this one phrase all the time “Drink and Drive responsibly.” What does that mean? Doesn’t New York State have a zero tolerance for Drinking and Driving?
A - it’s not against the law to drink and drive if you are over the age of 21 years old. If you are under 21 there is a zero-tolerance law. The legal limit to be considered driving while intoxicated is having a .08% blood-alcohol content. Impaired is .05. - 07% blood-alcohol content. Many people ask how many drinks will it take me to get to a level that is unsafe. My response has always been everyone is different. I don’t like giving a specific number because I’m not a doctor or scientist. The term drink and drive responsibly is simply saying if you’re going to drink, have a plan. This can include a rideshare, a taxi, a designated sober driver. STOP-DWI mobile app “have a plan” can be downloaded and has a section for finding you a ride specific to your location. Again, one more tool to help keep people safe.

Q - I once had a manager of a hotel bar tell me, you can ask any bar owner you want and they’ll tell you they don’t make money on soda sales. They make money on beer and liquor sales. “I said,” that may be true but when you get in your vehicle after drinking your taking a big risk of having an accident or an arrest for D. W. I. So, with that being said when you really get down to it, should alcohol be served in bars? Maybe we should just have milk bars, coffee bars, fruit juice bars.
A - Again, it’s not against the law to drink an alcoholic beverage if you are over the age of 21. Drinking and/or drugged driving is a choice a person has made. We can only educate people as to the dangers and consequences of their actions and hope they have a plan and make the right choice. We want everyone to be safe.

Official website:www.stopdwi.org