Will the 'BE S.M.A.R.T.' Initiative Stop Dangerous Driving in Port?

The Town of North Hempstead is encouraging drivers in the Port Washington peninsula to promote safe driving through the “Be S.M.A.R.T.” initiative.

The Town says “too many” Port Washington residents complain about cell phones/texting, speeding, stop signs, dangerous parking and illegal U-turn violations.

To stop this, residents are encouraged to “Be S.M.A.R.T.,” which stands for “ Safety Matters. Act Responsibly. Tell others.”

To enforce this new acronym, related banners and bumper/window stickers have been seen all across town over the past year.

These banners and bumper/window stickers can be picked at PWPD headquarters. They are available to anyone who wants to promote safe driving.

“We are proud to partner with the Port Washington Police District and the local community on this critical safety initiative,” Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a press release. “These signs and notifications around the Town should serve as a reminder to residents of the importance of following all traffic laws, which enables us to continue to enjoy a high quality of life in the Town.”

PWPD has organized many safety initiatives so residents can continue to “BE S.M.A.R.T.” including, driver checkpoints for DWI, safety crosswalk instructions and enforcement, and child seat installation assistance.

Public Safety forums to enforce safe driving were schedule at the PW Library, in the Villages, and organizations around town, all in an effort to make the town and streets safer.

WPWPD Chief James Salerno advises all drivers to obey traffic safety laws. All violators will be called to task when they endanger the safety of the residents, the Town says.

Chief Salerno and the Board of Commissioners will continue to work with the Town of North Hempstead to make Port Washington safer.

For more information on this initiative, call 311 or 516-869-6311.

Image via TONH: W Police Traffic Safety Officer Tracy Diguardi; PWPD Deputy Chief Jeffrey Morris; Steve Kaplan, Drive Smart Campaign Coordinator; PWPD Chief James Salerno; Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman; Town Clerk Wayne Wink; Supervisor Bosworth; Councilwoman De Giorgio; PW Police Commissioner David Franklin; PW Police Commissioner Angela Lawlor Mullins; PWPD Deputy Chief Robert DelMuro