December 1st, 2023
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and STOP-DWI Program Coordinator Lindsay Tomidy today announced that the County’s STOP-DWI Program, Rochester Against Impaired Driving (RAID) and family and friends of DWI victims will hold the annual “Lights On For Life” motorcade on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
The motorcade includes many individuals and organizations who have a stake in preventing impaired driving, and will kick off at 11 a.m. at City Place, 50 W. Main Street. The motorcade will end with an 11:45 a.m. press conference at the Durand Eastman Park Clubhouse, 1200 Kings Highway North featuring law enforcement, the DAs office, STOP-DWI and RAID.
“Driving while intoxicated or impaired is an irresponsible and potentially deadly decision, resulting in thousands of lives being lost each year in the United States. From government to law enforcement and even family and friends – we all have a part to play. Let’s keep our roads safe and ensure everyone makes it home this holiday season,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I invite the community to watch our Lights On for Life Motorcade this year as our community honors lives lost and stands together against drunk or impaired driving.”
“With the start of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, our partners put on a display of lights annually throughout the community as one special way to remember the victims of impaired driving.” said STOP-DWI Coordinator Lindsay Tomidy. “Those of us in the endless fight against impaired driving by both drugs and alcohol, see each and every day the tragic impact of this preventable crime. As a community, we must each do our part in holding family and friends accountable in their decisions to not get behind the wheel of a car if they are unable to drive.”
New York State continues to see around 10,000 crashes each year from drug and/or alcohol impairment, with Monroe County tied for third accounting for 6.14% of those crashes. However, when population is considered, Monroe County actually has the highest percent of impaired crashes by population for NYS. These crashes leave behind countless victims of fatalities, serious injuries, and lifelong trauma.
The “Lights on for Life” motorcade honors DWI victims and their families and raises awareness of the dangers and consequences of drugged and drunk driving during the holiday season.
