MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Beware Bacchus lovers! No driving while intoxicated this Memorial Day weekend, at least and, never ever.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, District Attorney Madeline Singas and Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter announced, May 26, that additional police officers have been assigned to extensive STOP-DWI enforcement initiative for the Memorial Day weekend. The County Executive, District Attorney and Police Commissioner were joined by Chief of Patrol Frank Kirby; Deputy Chief Sean McCarthy; Executive ADA Maureen McCormick; Rich Mallow from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); Cathy Dubas, whose sister Karen was the victim of Drunk Driving; Marge Lee of DEDICATEDD; Larry Blessinger, owner of All Island Transportation; Greg May, Nassau County Taxi and Limousine Commissioner; Chris Mistron, Nassau STOP DWI Coordinator; and members of the Nassau County Police Highway Patrol Bureau.

“Drunk drivers jeopardize the lives and safety of innocent people every time they get behind the wheel,” said County Executive Mangano. “Our Nassau County Police Officers will be targeting drunk drivers – not just this Memorial Day weekend but all year round – looking to prevent senseless alcohol-related accidents and locking up those who break the law. There will be additional police patrols throughout Nassau County looking for drunk and impaired drivers. Think before you drink. Don’t drink and drive.”

“Memorial Day weekend is the start of the 100 deadliest days on the road, when drunk and drugged driving skyrockets around the country,” said District Attorney Singas. “Our message today is clear: If you drink and drive in Nassau County, we will arrest you and prosecute you. If you plan on drinking this weekend, please have a designated driver or call a car service. As a prosecutor for more than 25 years, I have seen the devastation that drunk and drugged driving can cause to families. I meet with them regularly and it is heart-breaking. Make the right choice and don’t drink and drive.”

Funding for the Memorial Day Patrol is provided by a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee through the New York STOP DWI Foundation and the Nassau County STOP DWI Office. The funds will enable the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and police departments throughout the county 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 45 DWI arrests in Nassau County over last year’s Memorial Day Weekend, and in 2015 there were 2,510 DWI arrests countywide and 29 DWI fatalities.

Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter stated, “The Nassau County Police Department has a zero tolerance policy for those who drive under the influence putting those on the road at risk. This campaign is intended to identify and apprehend alcohol impaired drivers. Our aim will be to make the roadways safe for all drivers and our targets will be those who disregard the law.”

County Executive Mangano and Police Commissioner Krumpter remind everyone:

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.