MINEOLA – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Executive Assistant District Attorney Maureen McCormick, and founder and President of DEDICATEDD Marge Lee to announce increased enforcement of DUI and DWI ahead of Memorial Day weekend. County Officials warned residents of the dangers of drinking and driving and urged them not to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The County Executive also announced the launch of the DEDICATEDD pledge campaign in Nassau County and encouraged other municipalities to join the campaign and urge residents to take the pledge. Signing the pledge is a personal commitment to never drive impaired or intoxicated, never text and drive and to obey all traffic laws. Taking the pledge herself, the County Executive kicked off the campaign by signing Nassau County’s official DEDICATEDD banner.
Members of the Franklin Square Civic Association and Franklin Square residents also took the pledge at the press conference and announced that they’re enacting the campaign in their community. Program Manager for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Tara Spohrer and Nassau County Traffic Safety/STOP DWI Coordinator Chris Mistron also joined in support.
“Every day, 29 people in the US die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, and unfortunately, that number goes up on holiday weekends,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “We will not tolerate anyone getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Nassau County. We will do everything in our power to keep the roads safe this weekend, including any necessary additional enforcement. I want to encourage other municipalities to promote this new DEDICATEDD campaign to help save lives.”
“This Memorial Day weekend is an appropriate time to honor the memory of the proud men and women who died while serving our county to protect our many freedoms that we enjoy,” said Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder. “As we all know, many also believe it is the unofficial start to the summer and we see an increase in travel on our roadways. With that said, I urge all individuals that travel our roadways to use due caution and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Nassau County Police Department will be out in force with extra DWI patrols all weekend long to keep our residents safe and continue our zero-tolerance approach. I wish all of our residents a safe Memorial Day weekend and recommend the use a designated driver.”
“Drunk and drugged driving robs families of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and friends. Memorial Day weekend begins the 100 deadly days of driving,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “Let us all resolve to change that statistic to the 100 safest days on Long Island roads. All it takes is a commitment to stop and think about your safety and the safety of the people around you. Endangering others by driving while impaired is criminal, and you will be prosecuted. I am grateful to the County Executive and Police Commissioner for making DWI enforcement a priority this Memorial Day weekend.”
“DEDICATEDD will never use the word "accident" because accidents are unavoidable. Instead, we use the word "crash" because crashes are preventable and avoidable,” said founder and President of DEDICATEDD Marge Lee. “Too many families have been devastated because someone made a bad choice. We are asking all our residents to make the right choice. DEDICATEDD will supply a free, personalized banner for any hamlet, village or city who wishes to help us make our roadways safer.”
