County Executive Thomas Suozzi, center, flanked by Nassau County Police First Deputy Commissioner Robert E. Bishop, Nassau County STOP-DWI Program Coordinator Joanne McGarry, Bar Owners Against Drunk Driving (B.A.D.D.) President Brian Rosenberg, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) President Denna Cohen, DEDICATTEDD President Marge Lee, and local law enforcement personnel, announces enhanced enforcement measures to ensure safer driving on New Years Eve.

Mineola, N.Y. -- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Nassau County Police First Deputy Commissioner Robert E. Bishop, joined by Nassau County STOP-DWI Program Coordinator Joanne McGarry, Bar Owners Against Drunk Driving (B.A.D.D.) President Brian Rosenberg, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) President Denna Cohen, DEDICATTEDD President Marge Lee and local law enforcement personnel today announced enhanced enforcement measures to ensure safer driving on New Years Eve.

"My administration is committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors on County roads," said the County Executive. "We want people to enjoy the holiday but remember to be safe and avoid operating any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol."

"The Nassau County Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to be mindful of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. During this holiday season, we will remain highly vigilant in our enforcement efforts on aggressive driving and apprehending DWI violators," said First Deputy Commissioner of Police Robert E. Bishop.

Nassau County STOP-DWI Program reports that through November 30, 2004 there have been 4,127 County-wide DWI arrests. Through this same time period there have been 30 DWI fatalities County-wide. These numbers were reported by the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board. Incident reports for 2004 will not appear until mid-January 2005 when all the statistics are reported and compiled.

"The harm that can be caused by intoxicated drivers is irreparable," said the County Executive. Nassau County Police Department personnel will work to prevent that harm from occurring. Our police officers do an incredible job at keeping our residents safe."