Nassau Police Identify More Than 24 Traffic 'Hot Spots' Countywide

Mineola, NY - Nassau County police have begun increased enforcement for DWI and Aggressive Driving at more than 24 traffic "hot spots" across the county, Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today with Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence.

Police have increased patrols at the "hot spots" as part of a fall traffic enforcement initiative designed to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, Suozzi said. The "hot spots" were identified by police using TRAFFIC-STAT, a new statistical tracking and analysis tool.

"We are determined to protect the hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors who use our roads as they travel to work, school and play," Suozzi said. "We are using the latest technology and management techniques while demanding accountability of police officers, supervisors and commanding officers as we vigorously enforce the traffic laws to reduce drunken and aggressive driving."

"We have all witnessed the tragic and often fatal accidents that have been caused on our roadways by intoxicated and aggressive drivers," Suozzi said. "We are determined to redouble our efforts to make certain that all available police resources are brought to bear to keep our communities safe for motorists and pedestrians alike."

The increased patrols began in late August and will continue throughout the fall driving season, Suozzi said.

Commissioner Lawrence said the initiative is designed to save lives and decrease the number of accidents on county roadways. "While the Nassau County Police Department is always vigilant in enforcing traffic laws, this initiative gives the Nassau County Police Department the additional resources to combat the most dangerous drivers on our roads," said Commissioner Lawrence. "Our goal is to take measures to reduce auto accidents by targeting aggressive and impaired drivers with the objective of reducing deaths and injuries to the motoring public."

Under TRAFFIC-STAT, police commanders from each precinct make regular reports to the Police Commissioner and to the Chief of Patrol concerning recent fatalities, accidents, summons activity, DWI incidents and any "hot spots" within their respective precincts. Deputy County Executive for Public Safety Timothy Driscoll also receives regular briefings on the program. TRAFFIC-STAT is modeled after the NASS-STAT program that has resulted in Nassau County's lowest crime rate in more than 30 years.

Additional enforcement throughout the County will be guided by the TRAFFIC-STAT program. The Highway Patrol Bureau and each of the eight precincts in the County will deploy extra officers on highways and local roads. These officers' efforts will be focused on finding and arresting drunk drivers, and will also target aggressive driving activity such as speeding and tailgating.