Nassau County, NY - Dece,ber 31, 2014 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that this New Year’s week, the Nassau County Police Department and Nassau County STOP DWI Coordinator will participate in a “STOP-DWI” program that allocates additional police officers to conduct an extensive DWI enforcement initiative.
The “STOP DWI” program is funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau County and will provide the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and police departments throughout the county with additional funding that will be utilized to implement an effective DWI saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past. The NCPD’s Highway Patrol Bureau will coordinate and plan this initiative that will target certain areas throughout the county. There were 31 DWI arrests in Nassau County over last year’s New Year’s holiday.
“New Year’s Eve is typically one of the biggest party nights of the year. We will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that, unfortunately, often occur during a holiday. There will be additional police patrols all around Nassau County and chances are if you drive drunk at any point over New Year’s Eve, you will be arrested,” said County Executive Mangano.
“Drunk driving accidents are tragic any time of the year, but the risk goes up dramatically during a holiday like New Year’s Eve. Start off 2015 right by being extra-vigilant about drunk driving. The County’s increased enforcement will be coupled with my office’s usual aggressive prosecution, but safety starts with responsible drivers,” added Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
County Executive Mangano, District Attorney Rice and the Nassau County Police Department remind 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’s your best defense against a drunk driver.
“Make responsible and smart decisions during your celebrations, and plan accordingly so everyone can return home safely to their loved ones. Be smart - a taxi is a much better choice than the backseat of a patrol car,” added County Executive Mangano. “Please ‘think before you drink’ this weekend.”
This New Year’s Eve, for a free ride home from a bar, pub or catering hall, residents may call All Island Transportation at (516) 326-9090.