Contact: Colleen Roche/Samantha Lugo (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode, NYPD (212) 374-6700
If you would like to hear this press release, please visit the Blue Room.
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir at City Hall today reminded motorists that the New York City Police Department will once again increase drunk driving enforcement on New Year's Eve in an effort to ensure a safe holiday for all New Yorkers. Joining the Mayor and the Police Commissioner was Mothers Against Driving Drunk (MADD) volunteer Carmen Feliciano, whose son was killed by a drunk driver.
"The message is simple: Don't drink and drive. Be responsible and set an example. If you decide to drink, please, designate a driver or use a taxi or car service. It is a choice that can save lives - your own, your loved ones, your neighbors or someone else's mother, son or grandfather. Drunk driving fatalities and injuries are completely preventable tragedies," Mayor Giuliani said.
"The New York City Police Department will actively patrol the highways and streets of our City during the upcoming holiday weekend," the Mayor continued. "Our officers will be stopping cars and looking for motorists who may be impaired at DWI checkpoints throughout the City. If you are drinking and driving and the Police Department stops you, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. By cooperating with the Police Department, you can help us to keep our City safe and enjoyable for all New Yorkers and our visitors this Holiday."
Police Commissioner Safir said, "The Police Department will establish DWI checkpoints in all five boroughs, in addition to enforcing other measures, such as zero-tolerance on open containers of alcohol in Times Square and in other public places to insure that New Yorkers have the safest and happiest New Year's celebration possible."
In 1997, there were 2 alcohol-related traffic deaths per hour nationwide, which translates into 16,189 people killed in crashes involving alcohol in the United States. Over a million people were injured in drunk driving incidents. In New York State 27.4% of the 1,643 traffic fatalities registered in 1997 were alcohol-related.
MADD is a non-profit grass roots organization with more than 600 chapters nationwide, looking for effective solutions to the drunk driving and underage drinking problems, while supporting those who have already experienced the pain of these senseless crimes.