MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR ANNOUNCE INCREASED DWI ENFORCEMENT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today warned motorists that the New York City Police Department will once again increase drunk driving enforcement on New Year's Eve. Joining the Mayor and Police Commissioner at City Hall were Maureen Riccadella, State Chairperson, Mothers Against Driving Drunk (MADD) and Inspector Vincent Kennedy of the Police Department's Highway Patrol Division.
"Every year, thousands of Americans are killed in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol," Mayor Giuliani said. "If you drink and drive, you not only put yourself at risk but you jeopardize the lives of your passengers, your children, other motorists and pedestrians. Entire families have been destroyed because of the careless actions of one person. Drunk driving is an unconscionable act that will no longer be tolerated.
"The New York City Police Department will be actively patrolling our highways and streets New Year's Eve," the Mayor continued. "At numerous locations throughout the City, highway patrol officers will man DWI checkpoints, stopping cars and looking for motorists who may be impaired. If you are drinking and driving and you are stopped by the Police Department, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Don't drink and drive, instead designate a driver or utilize a taxi or car service. It is a choice that can save lives."
Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "With New York City experiencing one of its safest years in decades, the Police Department wants to insure that New Yorkers have a safe and happy New Year's Eve by establishing DWI checkpoints in key areas throughout our City. In addition to looking out for drunk drivers, police officers will be enforcing zero-tolerance on open containers of alcohol in Times Square and in other public places. By cooperating with law enforcement as checkpoints and other measures are taken, New Yorkers can help make this New Year's the safest in history."
In 1996 nationwide, 17,126 people were killed and more than 1 million people were injured in drunk driving incidents. Last year on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day alone, 219 of 419 traffic fatalities nationwide were alcohol-related.
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map