Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas and Police Commissioner Tom Krumpter today announced that the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) will conduct an extensive DWI enforcement initiative this Memorial Day weekend. The NCPD’s Selective Enforcement Team (SET) continues to effectively stop even more drunk drivers by identifying “hot spots” that have a propensity for DWI-related crime. In addition, the NCPD in cooperation with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services – Office of Counter Terrorism will be conducting a multi-agency initiative that will crack down on law violators in our waterways.
“Drunk drivers jeopardize the lives and safety of innocent people every time they get behind the wheel,” said County Executive Mangano. “With ‘The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer’ beginning this Memorial Day weekend, Nassau County Police will target drunk drivers looking to prevent senseless alcohol-related accidents and locking up those who break the law. With additional police patrols this Memorial Day weekend, think before you drink. Don’t drink and drive.”
During the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend in 2014, there were 52 DWI arrests made countywide. Last year, there were a total of 18 fatalities on our roadways as a result of DWI. To date there have been more than 700 DWI arrests this year and a total of 2,477 DWI arrests last year. This “STOP DWI” enforcement initiative, funded by a grant from the New York State STOP DWI Coordinators Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, allows police departments throughout Nassau County to implement a saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past. Departments participating include Nassau County; Garden City, Glen Cove, Great Neck Estates, Hempstead, Kensington, Lake Success, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Muttontown, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Port Washington and Rockville Centre.
“Nassau County will not tolerate drunk or impaired drivers, because they risk innocent lives every time they get behind the wheel. I am committed to working with the police department to do everything possible to keep our roadways – and our families – safe. Our message today is simple: If you are drunk or high on drugs, do not get behind the wheel. I thank the county executive and police commissioner for their commitment to fighting drunk and drugged driving, and citizen advocates for partnering with law enforcement to keep us all safe,” stated Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas.
Police Commissioner Tom Krumpter stated, “A review of statistics indicate that aggressive past enforcement policies, combined with education and awareness campaigns, have reduced the number of intoxicated drivers on Nassau County roadways. While DWI fatalities are at historic lows - down 21 % since 2011 - and the average Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of DWI arrests are among the lowest in the state, the department can always and will always do better to make our roadways safe. I urge everyone to be responsible and to plan accordingly not just this holiday weekend but always so that you and others return home safely to their loved ones.”
“Now that the warm weather is finally here, many families and friends will gather for a variety of celebrations,” added County Executive Mangano. “Everyone should make the smart and responsible decision not to drink and drive. Our ‘Choose your Ride’ vehicle demonstrates that you have two choices a cab home or a ride in one of our patrol vehicles where you will be booked, processed and prosecuted.”
Also attending the press conference were: Nassau County STOP DWI Coordinator Christopher Mistron; Rich Mallow, State Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); Marge Lee, President of DEDICATEDD; Brian Rosenberg from Restaurants Against Drunk Driving (RADD); and Larry Blessinger, owner of All Island Transportation. Participants reminded residents:
• If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out.
• Take mass transit, a cab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home
• Spend the night where the activity is being held.
• Always buckle up – it is your best defense against a drunk driver.