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Crime & Safety

County Officials Warn Against Drinking and Driving at Start of '100 Deadliest Days of the Year'

County Executive Edward Mangano, District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey asked residents to act responsibly this Memorial Day weekend.

Drinking and driving will not be tolerated under any circumstances this Memorial Day weekend, and law enforcement officials will be out in full force to catch those who do not adhere to the law.

This was the message delivered by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey at a press conference held this afternoon outside the Police Museum in Mineola.

"Please drink responsibly," Mangano said. "Do not get behind the wheel of a car, or the people behind me [Nassau County Police officers] will catch you, and incarcerate you."

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There is a new "Stop-DWI" grant in effect this weekend that allows for more police officers to be on patrol at all times. The more officers on the streets looking for people driving while intoxicated, the more likely the perpetrators will be caught.

Mangano said that he and the other people speaking at the conference were concerned about the safety of innocent motorists and residents, especially during this weekend. At one point Mangano held up a pair of handcuffs to illustrate his point; if a person drives drunk they will be wearing handcuffs instead of enjoying the holiday weekend.

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Rice has been a strong advocate against drinking and driving since she took the position of district attorney in 2006. She started her speech by saying, "Today is the start of the 100 deadliest days of the year, between Memorial Day and Labor Day."

Rice called attention to why there is a jump in the amount of deaths during this time, and said it was because people make the bad decision to drink and drive.

"I can assure you that the police are going to be out there in full force," Rice said. "My office will be there to prosecute every drunk driver to the fullest extent of the law."

Rice did not sugarcoat her intentions regarding people who are caught behind the wheel while intoxicated. She asked people to make the good choice of not drinking and driving, and displayed a "Contract for Safety" which she wants people to sign. The contract is to be signed by two people who are committed to helping each other stay safe, especially when it comes to the affects of alcohol and drugs.

"If you know someone has had too much to drink, be brave enough, be courageous enough to take the keys away from them," Rice said.

Last to speak was Police Commissioner Mulvey. He laid out what would happen to anyone who was caught drinking and driving, and how these people would spend their night in jail. Mulvey said last Memorial Day weekend there were 65 arrests of people who were driving while intoxicated.

Dena Cohen from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Brian Rosenberg of Bar Owners Against Drunk Driving (BADD) were also in attendance, showing their support for the stance law enforcements officials are taking in regards to drinking and driving.

"Every precinct will be out there from tonight through Tuesday morning," Mulvey said. "So act responsibly."

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