Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
(Times Square) Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir today wished all New Yorkers and visitors a safe, healthy and happy New Year and reminded them about some important safety tips. The Mayor also said that tonight's celebration commences the countdown to the Millennium festivities and New Year's Eve 1999. Joining the Mayor at today's press conference was Police Commissioner Howard Safir.
"I want to wish all New Yorkers a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year," Mayor Giuliani said. "To ensure that everyone has a safe holiday, I encourage everyone to follow several basic safety tips. First, 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."
"Second, dress warmly and in layers to protect against the cold weather," the Mayor continued. "Don't forget that hats and gloves are imperative to protect against hypothermia and frostbite. The Department of the Health also suggests that you limit or avoid the use of alcoholic beverages. Third, please be courteous and considerate of others - police officers will be enforcing quality of life-related issues such as no open containers of alcohol, public urination and disorderly conduct."
The Mayor also said the Police Department will establish DWI checkpoints in all five boroughs, in addition to enforcing other measures, to insure that New Yorkers have the safest and happiest New Year's celebration possible.
"The New York City Police Department will actively patrol the highways and streets of our City during the holiday weekend," the Mayor continued. "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 Howard Safir said, "Police officers will be out there tonight and throughout the weekend strictly enforcing all DWI laws. Although motor vehicle fatalities for this year have been dramatically reduced by 155 percent and DWI arrests are down nearly 7 percent since last year, we would like to make this year the safest one on record and hope that everyone gets home safely after ringing in the new year."
The Mayor, who will join Chinese gymnast Sang Lan to ring in the New Year tonight, also reminded New Yorkers that if they cannot make it to Times Square, there are many other celebrations and events to attend Citywide -- many of which do not involve alcohol.