Mangano: Increased DWI Patrols New Year’s Week

Police in Nassau County are stepping up patrols to single out driving while intoxicated this week as many gear up for the New Year’s holiday.

Urging revelers to “think before your drink” this holiday, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said Monday in a press release that there will be additional police officers conducting an “extensive DWI enforcement initiative” known as “STOP-DWI.”

“We will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that, unfortunately, often occur during a holiday,” Mangano said.  

“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,” he said. 

Funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau, the initiative provides Nassau County Police Department and police departments throughout the county with additional money to implement an effective DWI enforcement. Officials say the strategy has proven very successful in the past and will coordinated by Nassau County Police’s Highway Patrol Bureau, targeting specific areas. Last New Year’s holiday, there were 47 DWI arrests in Nassau.

Residents are reminded that:

• 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,” Mangano said.  “Be smart - a taxi is a much better choice than the backseat of a patrol car.”