Fourteen people have been killed on Nassau roadways since May 21st
LONG BEACH, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Long Beach Police Commissioner Ronald J. Walsh, Jr., announced a new enhanced drunk driving program for this summer in Long Beach that will be funded by a $30,000 grant from the NCDA.
The Long Beach Police Department has arrested approximately 35 people for driving under the influence since the beginning of 2022. In 2020, the department arrested 37 people, while in 2021 there were 56 DWI arrests.
“More than 20,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021,” said District Attorney Donnelly. “In law enforcement we refer to the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the 100 deadliest days on our roads. This Fourth of July weekend, think before you drink. By funding enhanced DWI patrols we can help make this a safe summer in Long Beach.”
Approximately 14 people have been killed and two seriously injured in car crashes in Nassau County in the last five weeks. In the same time period, approximately 10 people have been arrested for allegedly driving drunk with children in the car and are being charged under Leandra’s Law.
“We’re already seeing a 25% increase year-to-date in the number of DWI arrests here in Long Beach,” said Police Commissioner Walsh. “This Fourth of July weekend, people can expect to see more enforcement activity on our streets as we target drunk drivers. We welcome everyone to come to Long Beach to enjoy our wonderful beaches, restaurants, and bars, but we strongly advise to plan ahead if you’re drinking. Call ahead for a rideshare or designate a driver.”
This weekend’s crackdown, funded fully by criminal asset forfeiture funds provided by the NCDA, will consist of highly trained, roving Long Beach Police Department patrols focusing on strategic times and locations, as well as prevention.
The initiative will be staffed entirely by officers specially trained in field sobriety tests, breath analysis, and drug recognition.
In addition to pulling over drivers suspected of drunk or drugged driving, Long Beach Police will also be observing patrons leaving bars, marinas, and other establishments for signs of possible impairment, and warning them of the consequences of drunk driving or boating.
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