In an effort to prevent tragedy on New Year's Eve, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced a crackdown on drivers operating under the infuence of drugs and alcohol.
At a pres conference in Hauppauge on Friday, Bellone said, with an eye toward keeping Suffolk County roadways safe and free of intoxicated drivers on New Year's Eve, the Suffolk County Police Department will have additional officers on patrol.
Officers from the Selected Alcohol Fatality Enforcement Team (SAFE-T), highway patrol bureau and all seven precincts will be involved in the initiative.
The department diligently enforces DWI laws and takes a zero-tolerance approach for anyone driving under the influence and placing the public in danger, Bellone said.
Nationwide, New Year’s Day is the single most dangerous day of the year for motorists, with 78 drunk-driving related deaths annually, a 178% increase above any other day of the year, he added.
Funding for supplemental patrols will be provided by the Suffolk County STOP DWI program.
