Nassau Police Stepping Up DWI Enforcement for New Year's Weekend

This New Year’s weekend,the Nassau County Police Department will participate in a “STOP-DWI” program that allocates additional police officers to conduct an extensive DWI enforcement initiative.

“New Year’s Eve is typically one of the biggest party nights of the year," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. "Nassau police 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."

The enforcement is funded by the Nassau County STOP-DWI Program. STOP-DWI distributes funds using fine money collected from successfully prosecuted DWIs. These funds provide the NCPD and police departments throughout the county with additional funding 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 33 DWI arrests in Nassau County over last year’s New Year.

If you're going to drink on New Year's Eve, here are some tips to avoid getting arrested:

• 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.

“DWI arrests would not have to occur if people make sensible and educated decisions," said Acting Police Commissioner Tom Krumpter. "The police department will be out in full force and will have zero tolerance toward drinking and driving. Let’s work together this holiday season to ensure safe roadways for everyone.”

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.

Photo: Patch