Nassau County, NY - September 2, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that all Police Departments throughout Nassau County will allocate additional police officers to conduct an extensive “STOP-DWI” enforcement initiative this Labor Day holiday weekend. This effective “STOP-DWI” initiative - funded by a grant from the New York State STOP-DWI Coordinators Foundation through the Governors Traffic Safety Committee - allows Police Departments throughout Nassau County to implement a saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past.
“Police officers will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that often occur during a holiday weekend. There will be additional police patrols throughout Nassau County and chances are if you drive drunk this weekend, you will be arrested,” said County Executive Mangano. “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.”
During the Labor Day weekend in 2014, there were 47 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 1,500 DWI arrests this year and a total of 2,477 DWI arrests last year. Police Departments that will be participating in this year’s initiative include the Nassau County Police Department, Garden City, Glen Cove, Great Neck Estates, Hempstead, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Muttontown, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Port Washington and Rockville Centre.
County Executive Mangano reminds 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
“Residents should enjoy this holiday weekend but also make responsible and smart decisions during their celebrations,” added County Executive Mangano.
For more information on the STOP-DWI Program, please contact Nassau County Traffic Safety Coordinator Chris Mistron at (516) 571-6808.